Karen Burke passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on January 21, 2026, in Augusta, Maine, after several years of living with dementia. She will be remembered for her sharp mind, gentle spirit, and love for her family, friends, and animals. Born in Texas to Ben and Wilma Crites, Karen was the eldest of three children, with younger brothers Ben and Johnny. The family led a colorful, often challenging, peripatetic life, moving back and forth between central California and east Texas. Karen often spoke with great gratitude of her paternal grandmother in Texas, whose home was a place of love, care, and stability during her formative years. Despite many early hardships, Karen's intellect, sensitivity, and curiosity shone through. She excelled in school and earned admission to the highly competitive University of California, Berkeley, where she studied anthropology and received her Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduation, Karen embarked on one of the great adventures of her life by joining the Peace Corps and served in Guatemala from 1962 to 1964 as one of the earliest young pioneering volunteers who were inspired by President John F. Kennedy Jr. and his immortal words, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." Those years deepened her compassion and understanding of people and cultures and ignited a lifelong love of travel. Over the years, Karen's travels took her to the Caribbean, Central America, England, France, and Italy. Karen also cherished her beautiful home state of California, where she spent most of her adult life until moving to Maine in 2010 to be closer to family. Her years in California were filled with loving devotion to her son, Joshua and beloved Corgis, Bonnie and Chep, and her cat, Misty, in addition to many other lovely indoor/outdoor cats who stayed sometimes for a few months or years with Karen. Karen loved spending time in nature camping and hiking and also enjoying many peaceful hours painting watercolor landscapes en plein air. She treasured the beauty and quiet peace of the natural world and the joy of sharing it with the many artistic friends she built along the way. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Sandra Crites of Winthrop; her niece, Julie Crites of Boston, along with Julie's husband, Jorge Aguilera Iparraguirre, and their daughter, Luna; and her nephew-in-law, Joseph Snapp of San Jose, along with his children, Coralie and Liam. She was predeceased by her son, Joshua Burke and her brothers, Ben and Johnny, and niece, Sarah Crites. Karen's family, along with friends and extended family, will miss her warmth, thoughtful conversation, and quiet strength. Karen's family is very appreciative of the excellent care she received the past two years from MaineGeneral (hospital, Alzheimer's Care Center, and Glenridge) in addition to MaineGeneral Hospice's caring team. Karen's ashes will be spread along the coast of Maine at a small family gathering in summer 2026.