Karen Janine Gardner

karen gardner

September 14, 1965 ~ November 2, 2025

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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Karen Janine Gardner, 60, of Huntly, Virginia. Karen peacefully passed away on November 2, 2025 as the rising sun shone upon her face after an 8-year battle with cancer. Up until the end, Karen maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of life and the love of family and friends.

Karen was born on September 14, 1965 to Robert Lucius and Elizabeth Ann (Stewart) Gardner in Falls Church, Virginia. She spent her early years in Fairfax, Virginia with her parents and siblings, attending St. Leo The Great Catholic School and graduating from Bishop Denis J. O’Connell Highschool. Shortly afterwards, Karen started her lifelong career in information technology services. She went on to study at Northern Virginia Community College earning her associate’s degree in Applied Sciences with a minor in Marketing, and George Mason University earning both her bachelor’s degree in Independent Studies and her master’s degree in Information Technology Systems.

In 1987, Karen welcomed her daughter, Casey Lynne, born August 15 in Falls Church, Virginia.

In 1990, Karen met Michael Lawrence Giblin, and they wed on October 17, 1997, going on to raise their blended family of 5 children, Stephanie, Christopher, Joshua, Casey and Jeremy in Centreville, Virginia. Karen and Michael enjoyed splitting their time between their Centreville home and their weekend home in the mountains of Huntly, Virginia where they later retired.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Michael; parents Elizabeth and Robert, and is survived by her children, Stephanie, Christopher, Joshua, Casey, Jeremy and her cat, T’Challa; grandchildren, Rebecca, James and Charlotte; and siblings, Sandra, William and Thomas, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

Donations to the Melanoma Research Alliance, in lieu of flowers in honor of Karen’s memory, are welcome.

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  5. So many laughs and memories! You were the best of best friends! Your friendship and kindness…and love…will be missed more than words can express. Thank you for introducing me to martinis and chocolate cake shooters; for roaring with laughter at “ ’99 Odyssey”, enjoying crabs and Redskins and football pools year after year! And for always believing in me.

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  7. I am so sorry for your loss. Karen always had a warm smile and hug to greet me when I would run into her at work. She always had wonderful stories to share and I will miss her. Sending prayers and love to you all.

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  10. Deepest sympathies to the family. May your memories of Karen provide comfort at this difficult time. God bless.

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  11. This photo of Karen truly captures her essence–beautiful, joyful, heart-full. She loved openly and always looked out for others, and I always deeply appreciated how she treated everyone equally, just as they were. Hugs and laughter were in no short order either. Sending love to her family and many friends who are missing her so, and grateful for the peaceful light that undoubtedly surrounds her now.

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  12. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Karen. Although I never knew the details of her battle with cancer, I never once heard her complain. I was honored to have worked with Karen at George Mason University and respected her deeply as a person and as a leader. She will be sorely missed.

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  13. My deepest sympathy to the family. It was my good fortune while at Mason to work with Karen. She was a joy to work with and a genuine good soul.
    God Bless Karen & her family.
    Praying the Lord provides you strength & comfort during this most difficult time.
    John

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  14. Casey and family, I am deeply sorry for Karen’s passing. I had the privilege of working with her since she first joined Mason, and she always brought warmth and kindness to every interaction. Karen’s smile and the sparkle in her eyes reflected her loving, caring soul. It brings me comfort to know she passed peacefully on her porch, watching the sunrise on a beautiful fall morning. Having Karen in our lives was truly a blessing, and her memory will live on in all who knew her.

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  15. So sorry to hear this and my condolences to the family. This one hurts! Karen, thank you for making my day every time I was fortunate to interact with you! Love that picture and that’s how I’ll always remember you, heart broken and look forward to seeing you on the other side

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  17. Chris Nayeri,

    We had so many talks and laughs, she is one of the strongest persons I have meet! Always had a smile and encouragement. She will be missed!!

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  18. This is such sad news. Karen was one of the first people I met when I started working at George Mason in 1998. She was more than just a skilled technician, her positive outlook and upbeat demeanor made her a joy to be around. Karen’s smile could light up a room, even when she was facing heavy burdens in her personal life. It’s tragic that she and Mike did not get to live out retirement together as they had planned, but we know the suffering is over and they are together once more. May God bless her family and friends in this difficult time.

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  19. Your smile and strength were equally contagious. I will never forget our chats and the love in your eyes when you spoke of your family. Thank you for the friendship. You will be so missed. Rest well, my friend.

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  20. My deepest sympathies to all of Karen’s family. She is a lasting part of George Mason University and will forever be a part of us. May she rest in eternal peace.

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  21. My deepest condolences to Karen’s daughter and family. I will always remember her fun spirit, her gentleness, and her warm smile – just as she appears in this beautiful photo. She will be missed.

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  23. My sincerest condolences to all of Karen’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of knowing Karen through work, and she was always such a warm, welcoming, and big-hearted person. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

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