Karen Swanson Berry

Karen Swanson Berry was born September 4, 1940 in Milwaukee, WI and died February 22, 2025 peacefully at home in Seattle. She leaves husband Dr. Herbert Berry, sons Peter and Eric, daughters-in-law Kirsten and Anne, and beloved grandchildren Niklas, Tatum, Oskar and Fiona, all of Seattle. 

Karen grew up in Wilmette, IL. Her dad, Wilburn Swanson, was a creative inventor and entrepreneur. Her mother Ethel Aqualina (Strand) Swanson had an upbeat, cheerful personality.

She attended the University of Michigan, completing a BS degree in Medical Technology, and later worked in the Special Hematology Laboratory at Pres. St. Lukes in Chicago. Her cousin set her up on a date with a medical school student, Herbert Berry, and they later married in Evanston, Ill. on Winter Solstice,1963. Their son Peter was born in Chicago, 1966, and later the family moved to Washington, D.C. where Herb worked with the Public Health Service. Son Eric was born in D.C. in 1968 and shortly after Herb packed their Volvo station wagon and drove it across the country to meet Karen and the boys in Seattle, arriving July 1, 1969. Later Karen would earn a 2nd degree, a BFA at the UW.

Karen loved the outdoors and the family took advantage of all the pacific northwest options: hiking the then-deserted local trail system, camping, skiing, biking, and eventually sailing and all things boats. Karen learned to row crew in middle-age, and developed a passion for rowing, first on Lake Washington with Pocock Rowing Center and coach Charley McEntyre, and later with her own collection of boats. In 1990 the family purchased land in the Canadian Gulf Islands and built their own slice of heaven on Parker Island, their favorite spot and source of inspiration for decades. Off the water, Karen’s passion was the arts, which took many forms. There was no surface that escaped her paintbrush, however she also dabbled in mixed-media, bookmaking, arc welding, stained glass, sculpture, sketching and watercolor, digital art, knitting, sewing and above all, photography. Karen leaves her family with 1000s of photos and hard drives filled with photos documenting... well, everything. In addition, she and Herb attended the Seattle Opera as (50+ years!) ticket holders.

Karen and Herb travelled extensively, bringing back stories and gifts from around the world. Karen’s favorite trips included sailing around the entirety of Vancouver Island, elephants and gorillas in Africa, Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands, Egypt, Argentina, two months in Venice, Italy and Berry family favorite, Christmas in Sweden with extended relatives. Anyone visiting her home could see her 'Bloomsbury’ trip inspiration on every chair, table and door, possibly the most visible artefacts from her many excursions.

Closer to home, Karen was an extraordinary friend, wife, mother, nanna, and community member. She donated her time and creativity to local causes, such as the Pike Market Senior Center and Eastlake neighborhood (art installations). She maintained connections to her college roommates and sorority sisters, 3rd grade friends, cousins, and her beloved book club of decades. For the last 15 years she cultivated a sprawling, global online community on the Blip platform, where she unfailingly posted at least one photo every.single.day. Often of her grandchildren, who loved her so dearly. It was for them she would make 100s of Swedish pancakes, years after declaring she never would again. Her spirit can be found in their love of the arts, sports, and family. A patient and somewhat eccentric mom to Peter and Eric, she supported all their passions and plans, only going too far when wanting more details. Always an accepting and supportive mother-in-law. And most importantly, a wonderful wife to Herb. They spent over 61 years together. And a life well lived. A private family celebration is planned.

Please consider a donation to any of Karen’s favorite entities:

World Wildlife Fund: www.worldwildlife.org

Providence Hospice of Seattle: www.providence.org/locations/wa/hospice-of-seattle

UW Medicine Fund: give.uwmedicine.org

The Nature Conservancy: preserve.nature.org