Below is the text of a message from the Wild Wolf Women of the Web, that was read at the memorial service for our beloved sister:

There are many ways to make a family, and the Wild Wolf Women of the Web is an internet family that counts Karen as one of its beloved sisters. We began in December of 1995, and by 1998, Karen had found her way to our midst. Karen had the same experience all of us do - one day you open your email and your inbox is full and it keeps on coming. Some of us, like Karen, find a way to juggle the email, and in the process, find a soul home.

We have a tradition of taking what we call a wolf name, and Karen's was Nightwolf - for obvious reasons. As we have mourned this week, story after story has been told of her. Funny stories. Remember whens. Times she encouraged and supported different people through tough times. Text messages. Phone Calls. Hugs. Our Nightwolf was kind, loving, humorous, perceptive, determined, strong, protective and one of a kind. She did things, went places, and had experiences instead of thinking about doing them "some day". We loved hearing about her adventures, especially at concerts. She always seemed to find a way to meet the singer or the band, and charm them all.

Since 1997, we have held an annual gathering, called WolfCon. Karen came to the second one in Tennessee in 1998. She skipped a few years, then returned in 2006, and has been the first to sign up every year since. She always helped make the gathering a success, from chipping in to help with workshops and ceremonies, to leading a "Battlestar Galactica" trivia contest, to keeping us stocked with Tastykakes!

On our email list, she was our birthday howler, and for a decade, kept track of the birthdays of all the women. When you realize that there are 75 of us, with a changing membership, this is no small task! Where was something quite wonderful in opening email on your birthday to see the announcement from Nightwolf, followed by the birthday wishes of our sisters.

Like her family and friends, we have been in shock at her passing. There are women around the world mourning her, from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Greece and Norway to Trinidad. We will remember her in our virtual world for as long as we exist. We share the grief of those present at the service today, and we are with you in spirit. There are candles lit, prayers being said, warm wishes sent, and sad hearts remembering our beloved sister.

Poem for Sis And so at last it comes, the day we circle toward our whole life long The one appointment no can avoid, the ripened fruit contained within each seed The moment we dissolve in vulnerability more fragile than an infant's newborn state Just a tissue paper whisper breath away from softest skin and barely opened eyes We vanish from our bodies when they grow too frail to hold the boisterous spirit spilling out and eager for release. excerpt La Tigresa (Dona Nieto) copyright 2005