Many of you know the names Margaret Parkinson and Karen Creason. Margaret and Karen were early donors to the sanctuary. We first met them in person when they came to the open house event before the first group of chimpanzees arrived in 2008.
I remember them pulling up in the driveway with their car overflowing with blankets and toys for the chimpanzees-to-come and balloons sticking up and whipping around in the wind above their sun roof.
They stepped out of the car with smiles a mile wide, laughing and full of joy.
In the early days, they were kitchen volunteers in the chimp house, baking treats, making night bags, doing laundry, and charming us all.
Over the years, J.B. and I managed to insert ourselves into their lives, which was quite easy because they were so welcoming and also overly complimentary of our work. If ever we were feeling overwhelmed or down, a call or visit with Margaret and Karen would lift our spirits immediately.
Karen would remark over and over how wonderful we were and how delightful it was to be together as we shared stories of the chimpanzees. She had a particular connection with Negra.
Karen had many interests, and we would often talk about current events or movies or documentaries. She was a collector, an advocate, an artist, and a writer, and she lit up when sharing her latest writings or treasured objects with us.
She and Margaret last visited the sanctuary together in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. Of course, for these two, a plain ordinary mask would not do…
Karen passed away on December 31st, Margaret’s birthday.
Margaret was with Karen through all the difficulties that aging and declining health introduced. Their lives together are an inspiration for what love, marriage, and commitment can be, and we feel so lucky that they happened into our lives.
If you would like to make a donation in Karen’s honor, you can do that on our donation page or by becoming a Pal to Negra. I will be sure to let Margaret know!
What a beautiful person the world needs more of. Margaret, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you both for your love and gemerosity to the chimps.
Such an inspirational couple. Margaret I am so sorry for your loss. I also say thank you for having such a large part of of the chimpanzee’s lives in sanctuary from the beginning.
My deepest condolences to Margaret on her loss. Condolences also to Diana and J.B. and everyone at CSNW who benefitted from the rich and generous support of these two women. May you take comfort and give comfort with each other, knowing you are continuing to make the world a better place.
My condolences to Margaret and to all who benefitted by her Karen’s generosity of spirit. What a wonderful image I have of them arriving with an abundance of blankets and toys to welcome Negra and her six companions when they arrived at their Sanctuary. Though I have never met them, on behalf of Negra and those who have been given a home at the Sanctuary, I thank Karen and Margaret for their gifts of their spirits..
What beautiful and truly remarkable ladies Margaret and Karen bursting into your lives bringing energy, love and kindness. I loved their photos and their goodness shining through. I will make a donation in Karen’s memory. My thoughts go out to Margaret, and at least it must be a comfort to know that Karen’s memory and legacy to the chimps will live on. Thankyou for sharing Margaret and Karen’s inspiration story.
I believe the entire earth takes in a deep breath and heaves a massive sigh when loosing a caring and generous person such as Karen. People like Karen, and Margaret, touch so many lives in a ripple effect. Their involvement in the sanctuary proves this. How fortunate it is that you have this special connection and friendship with each other. Now, you and J.B. and Margaret can get together to share memories of Karen, and in doing so you will keep her spirit alive.
CSNW supporters are all so caring and well-spoken and always say the perfect things in comments to blog posts. And I agree with everything everybody said.
I delighted in the picture my mind showed me of them pulling up with balloons and gifts for the chimps who weren’t even here yet. Negra also has a special place in my heart.
Margaret, so sorry for your loss. And I celebrate the obviously wonderful life you and she shared.
I’m sorry that you, JB, the chimps, and the sanctuary have lost such an amazing friend and cheerleader, Diana.
Margaret, my deepest condolences to you on the loss of your partner (and from the sound of it, your “partner in crime”?) May you find solace and support in your friends at the sanctuary, just as you and Karen have provided them with solace and support over the years
It sounds like not just the sanctuary, but the world has lost a wonderful and caring person.:revolving_hearts:
My deepest sympathy, Margaret.
My deepest sympathy to Margaret and to those who knew and loved Karen.
Our deepest sympathy to Margaret and to all those who knew Karen. May those special memories bring peace and comfort. She touched the lives of so many in beautiful ways.
My deepest sympathy to all who loved Karen. It’s a huge loss to so many because her life held so much meaning and her gifts touched us so deeply. :broken_heart: Margaret we’re sending you much love. It’s my honor to make a contribution in Karen’s memory to benefit her beloved Negra and chimp family.
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Sending extra big hugs and lots of love to Margaret.:broken_heart:?:cry:
Virginia Keulen