Karen Bourque

August 10, 1951 - July 8, 2016

Karen Bourque was 64 years old when she left this life for whatever’s next. She passed peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by a circle of love from her son Brendan, her former partner Cathleen, and her sisters Kathy, Nancy and Robin. Karen was born in Trenton, New Jersey on August 10, 1951, to Anne Marie Rochford Bourque and Bradford Seagrave Bourque. Through childhood and into adulthood, she remained close with her sisters, Nancy, Robin, and Kathy, her twin. In 1989, she and Cathleen Sheil-Hopper had their first and only child, Brendan, who is now a playwright, teacher, and musician. Karen always said that Brendan was the pride of her life. An amazing spirit, Karen delighted in nature and found purpose in feminism, gay rights, and rituals. From an early age, she showed an affinity for music, able to pick up any instrument--whether it be a keyboard, saxophone, or guitar—and stir others with the emotional resonance of her playing. She lent her skills as a saxophone player to The Woodlands Concert Band for more than ten years. In the later part of her life, Karen became a professional caregiver in the Houston area, making use of her lifelong empathy and wrapping herself around the heartstrings of all her clients and their families. She will be missed by her many friends from Spry and LOAF (of the Montrose Counseling Center), the Woodlands Concert Band, and her best friend, Frank Mettlach, who tirelessly and selflessly helped her through the illness that preceded her final days on Earth. Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Karen Bourque at St. Peter United Church of Christ. There will be an informal service at 2:00PM on 7/9/16. She will be laid to rest at St. Peter United Church of Christ.