Karen Liggett (18 Aug 1983 - 16 Jun 2021)

Karen arrived in our world on 18th August 1983, third daughter to Betty and Graham. Completing our family. Karen was an amazing baby, she slept a lot and demanded little, she easily fitted into the family.

Karen continued to be the baby of the family, mainly because she was just so cute - we will never forget her star role in the Willow Brook Christmas Concert as Robin no1, with a hilarious little robin suit and bright red rosy cheeks.

Karen loved to sit on mum's knee for daily cuddles, she would suck her thumb and stroke her blanket. She loved the family dog Bess with all her heart. They would cuddle together for hours and play.

Growing up her character developed, she was incredibly shy to the outside world, but at home she was fun, joyful, loving but also surprisingly fierce in sibling squabbles! Her trademark fist biting move was well known as a sign that this was a battle you would lose, however Karen was also fiercely protective of her family - for example sizing up to a bully who decided to pick on Laura - despite her small size Karen was not to be messed with!

Karen and Laura shared a bedroom for many years and entertained each other with silly songs and make believe, however their favourite game was to spy on Claire, especially when David came to visit. Karen loved it when David and Claire babysat as David would read Winnie the Pooh stories - His Eyeore impression was impeccable. When David introduced the family to his church, Karen joined the choir and became the first choir girl to mime through every performance. Some might think that was to be close to her two big sisters - I think it was because she enjoyed being paid for weddings.

Karen did well at school and college went on to University in Liverpool where she completed her Degree in Sociology. Still a very shy teenager, Karen was very proud of having achieved this whilst going to very few actual lectures, preferring to study on her own. She still managed to make some wonderful friends who she kept in touch with over the years.

When it came to her career Karen was fearless - brave enough to experiment and try new things when the mood took her. Jobs included dental nursing, marketing manager, insurance sales and even dog grooming - Karen did well at everything she chose to do.

Of course Karen met the love of her life, James and we will share their story together here...