Karen Sue Kangas (1953-2018)

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Karen Sue Kangas

STRONG – Karen Sue Kangas, 65, of North Anson, died peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends at the home of one of her dearest friends in Strong on the evening of July 18, following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Feb. 6, 1953 in Livermore, Calif., a daughter of Virgil and Helen IWesterman) Hartz. She received her education in Livermore schools and completed secretarial studies. With her husband, Peter kangas, (whom she married on Sept. 22, 1973), and their young son, Erik in tow and another on the way, this young family came east as young visionary “hippies” to explore their future and to find true joy in building everything together, from building their small log home, nestled in the Western Maine mountains and made from fresh cut trees on their ten acre property with a good fresh water supply to nurturing their family owned business Kangas, Inc. a leading manufacturing company for drumbrushes and drumsticks.

Hers was a life designed around gifts of the heart. Her devotion to family could be seen by the love she had for her grandchildren, her chosen friends who became “family”, as well as the welcoming spaces in her heart for those who might otherwise be shunned or seemingly forgotten.

She was a woman of integrity and deep faith and was a founding member of the Living Waters Church in Farmington. A hobby that she shared with those whom she dearly adored was her gift of making beautiful cakes for all occasions.

She is loved by her husband, Peter, of N.Anson; their sons: Erik and his wife, Madison of Strong and Davin of N. Anson; grandchildren Alec Marcheterre, Trinity, Avery, Irelynn and Della kangas; her parents, Virgil and Helen Hartz of Livermore, Ca; and siblings Robert Hartz and his wife, Margaret, Chuck Hartz and his wife, Lee, all of Livermore, Ca. and Deborah Olsen and her husband, Rick of Tracy, CA., and Linda Ellicott of Strong whom she considered as family.

Her family invites you to share tributes and condolences on her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Private family committal services will be held at the West Freeman Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service on Tuesday July 24 at 1 PM from the Living Waters Church with Pastor Steve Bracey officiating. Remembrance gifts may be given to her family c/o Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, Maine 04938.

Following services, all are welcome to attend a comfort reception hosted by the church hospitality committee. Arrangements are in the care of the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27) Farmington.

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5 Comments

  1. Karen was a very dear friend and I and those who loved her will miss her very much. My heart goes out to all her family.

  2. Karen was an excellent artist and loyal member of the UpCountry Artists.

  3. Davin and family, we are so sorry for your loss but we know without a doubt that she is with Jesus now and she will be waiting with open arms for you and your family. God bless all of you. Your mom was a really special friend and we shared our lives when you were a teenager and we did youth rallies and retreats together. She was always so kind and encouraging. For the last few months Milt and I have prayed for her every morning. Every Wednesday evening at Women’s bible study we prayed for her. She made a difference in so many of our lives and Glory to God I am thankful to have known her. God bless you and your family.

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