Mrs. Karen Packett Bluvas

Karen Kay Packett Bluvas, age 64 of Roswell, GA, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2017, surrounded by her family. Karen came into this world on August 8, 1953, born to John and Evelyn (Rowland) Packett in Omaha, NE. She was the middle of three children, making her place in between brothers John and Mark. Early on in life, KK (as she was known by many family and friends in Omaha) loved to learn and to explore. She spent entire Saturday afternoons at the movies during summer visits to her family in Pawnee, NE; wandered the banks of the Platte River near the Packett cabin at Sokol Camp; and played with her friends outside of her childhood home on Sprague Street. She was admired for her innate curiosity and strong determination all of her life. Karen graduated from Benson High School in 1971 and worked as Assistant Treasurer at First Federal Savings and Loan of Omaha for 10 years. She married Joe Bluvas in 1977 and together they raised three children: Matt, Andy and Sarah. Karen, Joe and the kids lived in many cities, including Overland Park, KS, where they made lifelong friends who they vacationed with at the Lake of the Ozarks; and Brentwood, TN, where Karen started her craft business Prairie Girl. They settled in Roswell, GA, in 1991, and Karen became an active member of their community. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity; was a member of the PTA; and served as leader for Sarah’s Girl Scouts troop. Karen was also very engaged with their neighborhood Brookfield West, serving as President of the Homeowners Association. Karen and Joe joined Brookfield Country Club in 1993, and Karen remained a prominent member of the BCC community until her passing. She played tennis on several ALTA and USTA teams and took home the title of ALTA City Champions in 2006. Karen was also the first woman elected to the BCC Board of Governors, where she held the position of Secretary and served for nearly 20 years. Karen was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991, but she did not let the disease deter her and instead channeled energy into supporting organizations that searched for a cure. From 2001 to 2008, she collectively raised more than $50,000 for American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, earning the distinction of Highest Fundraising Team in 2006. Many people knew Karen in many different ways: she was an ace softball pitcher; an avid collector of seashells, cars and other treasures; a ringer in games of horseshoes at Sokol Camp; Cookie Mom for Troop 2209; Aunt Kake to nieces and nephews; an expert bowler; Babi to Katelynn, Jack and Drew; a successful entrepreneur; the Queen of 4th of July; a mother, a wife and a best friend. She is preceded in death by her father John and her brother Mark. She is survived by many, including her mother Evelyn; her brother John (Sue); her husband of 40 years Joe; her children Matt, Andy (Erin) and Sarah; her grandchildren Katelynn, Jack and Drew; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and others who were lucky enough to know, love and be loved by her. Karen’s family will honor her with a memorial service on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at 3 pm, at Northside Chapel, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA, 30075. Joe and family invite everyone to their home afterward for a celebration of Karen’s magnificent life. In lieu of flowers, they ask that donations be made in Karen’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Mrs. Karen Packett Bluvas

August 8, 1953 - October 5, 2017