Karen Arlene Pedersen Silva, 69, of Bainbridge Island passed away at home on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 after a long battle with cancer.

Karen was born on Aug. 15, 1945 in Washington, D.C. to the late Commander Richard and Gladys (Fischer) Pedersen, the fourth of five 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 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 Aug. 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, California outside of San Francisco.

In 1982, they moved to Bainbridge Island when she became active in singing with the Bainbridge Chorale. In 1988, Karen and Mark moved to the home they built on 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, Indiana, Jerri (Robert) Bolinger of Gardnerville, Nevada, Bert (Donna) Pedersen of Shelton and Oliver (Janice) Pedersen of Bainbridge Island; 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 respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Mass/Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28 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 were entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home where online condolences can made at cookfamilyfuneralhome.com/obits.