Karen Geraria Maria van Heiningen of Ivanhoe Texas died on January 24, 2024 after a battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma

Karen was born on March 26, 1957, in Den Hague Netherlands to Johannes Huibert and Alida Maria Johanna van Heiningen. Karen continued living in Den Hague with her two younger brothers Rudolph W.J.M. and Thomas I.M.  This is where she completed her first College Degree in Social Work.

While in school, Karen worked in a Community Center, where she developed supportive services for immigrants.

Karen's love of travel took her to various European countries, especially France and Belgium.  She also had the opportunity to work with the Sisters of Mercy in Israel.  She lived in Monaco for a few months.

In 1993, Karen had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program that brought her to Cleveland Ohio.  In Cleveland she worked as a Child Social Worker.

In 1995, Karen met her husband Gary L. Kess.  They were married in Cleveland in 1996. They continued to live in the Cleveland area until their move to Escalon California in 1998.  Karen wanted to be closer to her brother, as well as get away from the cold.  Those who know her well, know Karen did not like the cold!

In 1998 Karen worked for the Stanislaus County Community Service Agency as a Child Social Worker.  As she did in the Netherlands and Cleveland, she quickly settled into her role of helping children, women, and families

In 2012, Karen's mother was diagnosed with cancer.  Karen and Gary decided to move to Berkel en Rodenrijs, Netherlands to help care for Karen's mother.  During the next five years Karen worked as a community social worker and she was her mother's primary caretaker.  Karen was blessed to be with her mom through this difficult time.  It was from this journey that Karen became knowledgeable about her mother's illness and treatment.  Karen used this knowledge later when she was diagnosed with Hodkins Lymphoma.

After her mother's death, Karen and Gary returned to the states. They chose to locate in Texas because of a close friend who lived in the area.  In 2017 they chose to live in Sherman. Where Karen worked from home.  Karen and Gary joined the Western Heights Church of Christ.  Karen received such joy and pleasure from the church family.

Karen was a member of several Sweet Adeline Chorus Groups, the California Northern Lights Chorus, the Netherlands Skyline Sisters, and the Sherman Red River Chorus.  She was a co-founder of a Sherman quartet group, Little Black Dresses.

Karen was predeceased by her Father, Mother and brother Rudolph.  She is survived by her brother Thomas, two nephews Edward and Daniel and niece Michelle.  Along with various aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Services will be held on February 3, 2024, 10 am CST at the Western Heights Church of Christ in Sherman Texas.   The services will be available to view live through this link "Celebration of Life for Karen" https://youtube.com/live/PqvXp6FXhDM?feature=share

In Lieu of flowers, Karen's wishes are for donations to either the Netherland or American Cancer Society.

Online condolence may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com .