Karen Ann Martin was born on January 26, 1957, to Theresa and Earnie Martin. She was one of eleven children, born into a large family alongside her siblings Dolores, Theresa, Richard, Jimmy, Earnie, Denise, Rosie, Michael, Paul and Tommy.

Karen was the loving mother of Nicole and Adam Mattson, a beloved mother-in-law to Melissa Mattson, and the proud grandmother of Noah, John, and Libby. She was the former wife of John Mattson and the devoted dog mom to her beloved Rosie.

Above all, Karen loved her family. She shared an especially deep and meaningful bond with her mother, Theresa, whom she loved more than anything on earth.

Karen had a generous heart and was a natural giver. She showed her love by taking care of the people around her, and one of the ways she did that best was through food. She was an amazing cook, and the meals she prepared brought people together and created memories that her family will carry with them forever.

Karen also knew how to enjoy life and often said, “I’m not here for a long time, I’m here for a good time.” It was a saying that captured her spirit and will forever bring a smile to those who knew and loved her.

A lot of people loved Karen, but somehow, she always seemed to love us more. Whenever someone told her they loved her, she would often answer simply, “Love you more.” Those three words meant so much because they were Karen—she loved deeply, gave freely, and always made sure the people she cared about knew just how much they meant to her.

Karen will be remembered for the love she gave, the family she cherished, the good times she shared, and the many ways she cared for the people who mattered most to her. Her greatest legacy lives on in her children, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and the family she loved so deeply.

And while we will miss her more than words can say, we can almost hear her reminding us one more time: “Love you more.”

She will be profoundly missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

You’re damn skippy!

In lieu of flowers, Karen’s family asks that you honor her memory by reaching out to a family member you’ve lost touch with. Make the call, send the message, reconnect, and remind them that they are loved. Life is short, family matters, and Karen would want us to love one another while we still have the chance.