Karen Arlene Pedersen Silva

69, of Bainbridge Island, WA passed away at home on Friday, January 16, 2015 after a long battle with cancer.Karen was born on August 15, 1945 in Washington D.C. to the late Commander Richard and Gladys (Fischer) Pedersen, the 4th of 5 children. The family moved to Port Madison in 1947 and lived on the homestead that her grandparents, Carl and Berentine Pedersen, established many years before. They had emigrated from Norway in 1907.Karen's involvement in many activities on the Island centered on her beautiful voice when she sang in the various choirs and musicals presented in the community. She was active in Rainbow Girls advancing to the position of Worthy Advisor. Karen was an accomplished equestrian and could be seen riding her horse, Rowdy, in the Port Madison community.After graduating, Karen studied voice at Cornish School of Music and Arts and was a graduate of Peterson Business School in Seattle. This led her to a self-employed accounting career which spanned 40 years in two states, California and Washington.Karen married Mark R. Silva on August 20, 1966 in Seattle and they lived in several places around the country while Mark served in the Army. In 1970, they settled in Belmont, CA outside of San Francisco. In 1982 they moved to Bainbridge Island when she again became active in singing with the Bainbridge Chorale. In 1988, Karen and Mark moved to the home they built in West Port Madison. She could be seen walking with her beloved dog, Grace, on a daily basis. Grace, a registered therapy dog, was by her side during her last few years including periods in the hospital.Karen will be remembered as an individual with a ready smile and a sweet disposition who was always ready to help those less fortunate.Karen is survived by her husband of 48 years, Mark Silva; brothers and sister, Richard (Sally) Pedersen of Indianapolis, IN, Jerri (Robert) Bolinger of Gardnerville, NV, Bert (Donna) Pedersen of Shelton, WA and Oliver (Janice) Pedersen) of Bainbridge Island, WA and seven nephews, six nieces and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and nephew, Kurt Pedersen. She will be forever missed but not forgotten by her family and friends.Family and friends are respectively invited to attend the Memorial Mass/Rosary on Saturday, March 28, 2015 starting at 10:30 am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to a charity of their choice. A reception will follow in the church hall. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home. Please sign the online guestbook for the family.God's GardenGod looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering He knew that you were in pain He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb So He closed your weary eyelids, and whispered, "Peace be thine." It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone For part of us went with you the day God called you home.