Karen L. TerMaat Persen's Obituary
Karen Louise TerMaat Persen passed away on December 1, 2025, after a nearly yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. During her 76 years on Earth, she touched countless lives with her kindness, gentle spirit, and a giving heart that never wavered.
Karen was raised in Wisconsin, the daughter of Carl and Mirlet TerMaat. She attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After marrying her husband, Charles Persen, the couple moved to Florida, where Karen earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Central Florida and devoted over 30 years to teaching. Her students were the work of her life, and she gave each of them patience, compassion, and unwavering support.
Karen’s generosity extended far beyond her classroom. She loved quilting, creating beautiful handmade pieces that she donated to Project Linus so that children in need could feel comforted and cared for. She also cherished the simple joys she learned from her mother—especially making her beloved loquat jelly, which she shared proudly with family and friends.
She adored being a grandmother and cherished every moment with her grandchildren. They sewed, cooked, and even raised butterflies together. Watching the butterflies take flight in her garden became a joy they all shared, one that will always stay with them.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Charles, who passed in August of 2024. She is survived by her children, Tracy and her husband Mark, and Todd and his wife Genevieve; and by her four grandchildren, Solace (14), Aaron (13), Margaux (7), and Everett (7). She is also survived by her brothers, Larry and his wife Angie, and Carl and his wife Julie.
Despite her diagnosis earlier this year, she continued to show grace and compassion, always choosing kindness.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A casual gathering to celebrate her life will be held at her home, on Saturday, December 20th, 2025 anytime between 11am to 4pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Project Linus in her honor.
https://www.projectlinus.org/donate.php
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