Karen Ann Prins, 62, of Ashland, Mo., passed peacefully to Heaven on Jan. 8, 2014, at her home, surrounded by family and friends. She fought a courageous battle against cancer with dignity and grace.
Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., Karen was raised in New Jersey, graduating from Eastern Christian High School in 1969. She received her BA from Trinity Christian College outside of Chicago, Ill., in 1973 and subsequently worked in their development office.
She helped to successfully relocate a dozen Vietnamese refugees from Saigon to the U.S. in 1975, a forecast of her life of service to others. After moving to Canada in 1978, she worked as an assistant manager at the Toronto Women’s Bookstore for five years.
She relocated to Missouri in 1986 to marry the love of her life, Leon Steinberg of Raymondville and Columbia. They built their life together in Ashland, raising a loving daughter, Maija, and most recently a grandson, Rhys Steinberg, to whom she was devoted.
She was instrumental in their family real estate business. Karen worked for 15 years on staff at the Missouri State House and Senate in Jefferson City, retiring in 2012. For the past five years, Karen volunteered as a teacher of English as a Secondary Language, both in Columbia and Jefferson City.
Karen’s passions were quilting, reading books, playing piano and caring for her family. She was a dedicated member of multiple nature societies and social causes. Her generosity and loyalty were boundless and she developed a multitude of friendships from all walks of life. She was actively involved in her community and church life and was a woman of great faith in God.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Robert Prins. In addition to her husband, daughter and grandson, she is survived by her mother, Alice Wisse; sisters, Marie Prins (Ed Hagedorn), Gail Prins (Bob Vogelzang) and Gwen DeJong (Dave); brother Keith, Prins (Mary); stepsister, Sara Yff-Prins and Esther Yff-Prins; as well as 10 nieces and nephews.
Services were Saturday, Jan. 11, at Olivet Christian Church in Columbia. Burial was Sunday, Jan. 12, in Allen Cemetery in Raymondville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84096 or online at cholangiocarcinomafoundation.org. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.heartlandcremation.com
PAID