Karen Ann Lum

Karen Ann Lum, age 72, passed away on September 21, 2017. Karen resided in Little Rock, Arkansas, but she passed while visiting her daughter in Montclair, New Jersey. Karen had a long struggle with a terminal illness, and at the time of her passing, she was surrounded by immediate family and love from her friends and extended family. On May 17, 1945, Karen was born in Lonoke, Arkansas, to Dwight and Maxine Martin. Karen was a loving daughter, sister, mother, wife and friend. She is survived by her husband, Chris Lum, her son Marty Bogan and his wife Lyuba, her daughter Laura Herpel and her husband David, and her daughter Stephanie Bogan, her grandchildren Ryan Bogan, Anna Bogan, Sasha Bogan, Katya Bogan, Abigail Herpel, and Caroline Herpel, her siblings Lynn Causey and Gerald Martin, and many extended family members. Karen fearlessly approached life with an open heart and mind. She selflessly and tirelessly lived for her children, raising them as a single mother. She was a devoted wife and constant companion. She adored her family and friends often throwing lavish soirées, which prominently featured her gourmet fares and her entertaining wit. Despite the conventional obstacles, Karen excelled in her profession, which was primarily focused on IT in the financial services industry. Karen was constantly in the pursuit of discovering her fullest potential. This enabled her to become the President of Toastmasters, as well as teach Dale Carnegie courses so that others could excel, which was just one example of her giving nature. She had a beautifully adventurous spirit. She was proud to have obtained a pilot license, and one of her fondest memories was flying solo. She also loved sailing and racing as a member of the Greater Maumelle Sailing Club. She lived all over the world, including Ireland, England, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Argentina, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and Bermuda, and she explored several other countries. She embraced not only new experiences, but also other cultures creating a global "family". Karen did not meet a stranger, and she made fast friends with almost everyone she met. Her immediate family held a private service in Montclair, New Jersey, on September 22, and her family and friends will hold a memorial service in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, November 4. Karen's family would like to express a special gratitude to the Little Rock Hospice and Hospice of New Jersey for their support, which enabled the family to honor Karen's wishes to remain in her home with her family. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be made Little Rock Hospice (1501 N University Ave, Suite 500, Little Rock, Ark. 72207) and Hospice of New Jersey (400 Broadacres Dr., Suite 175, Bloomfield, NJ 07003). Karen provided her family with a legacy of love and grace, and we will always carry Karen's memory and lessons of love in our hearts. "You're my buddy, my pal, my friend. It will be that way until the end. And wherever you go, I want you to know you're my buddy, my pal, my friend."