Karin Annelies Divens

It is with great sadness that the family of Karin Annelies Wieland Divens of Newman Lake announce her unexpected passing on October 12, 2017 at the age of 49 of natural cause.  Karin will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 24 years, Marc Divens, and their children Adam, 19, and Elise, 16, her parents, Bill and Carole Wieland, and her brother Kurt and sister-in-law Christine.  Karin will also be fondly remembered by her parents-in-law Merlyn and Rosaly Divens, sister- and brother-in-law Kathleen and Jerald Hall, and nieces Katherine and Kristen Hall.  She will also be missed by loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as countless dear friends and colleagues.  Karin was born on January 25th, 1968 and lived in Federal Way and Kent, Washington.  She attended Kentridge High School where she excelled at gymnastics.  She went on to Highline Community College, then earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Central Washington University, where she met Marc. They fell in love studying plant taxonomy in the spring of 1991.  After their marriage in 1993, the couple lived in Ellensburg, Olympia, and Liberty Lake before building their home, the Moose Nest, in Newman Lake, Washington. Karin worked 22 years for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as a fisheries habitat biologist and loved her days in the field.  She was most proud of her work to protect rare habitats and in obtaining grant funding to preserve natural lands in Spokane and Stevens Counties, which countless people will enjoy far into the future. She loved her family, and encouraged her talented children’s pursuits in music, dance, acting, and art. She enjoyed spending time year-round in the outdoors; hiking, backpacking, biking, skiing, fishing, and beachcombing.  Enjoying these activities with family was of great importance to her.  She would always stop along the trail or on the beach to observe small creatures and wildflowers.  The Wieland family cabin on Puget Sound was among her favorite places, and many happy memories of times there with friends and family will linger on for many.  Karin loved animals and her home was always filled with a menagerie of dogs (Zoe, Sammi, Willow), cats (Floater, Mouse, and Tom Bombadil), chickens, guinea pigs, and other critters. Karin was an active backstage volunteer working on props, costumes, and set-up for the high school orchestra, Spokane Youth Symphony, and dance and drama productions.  She advocated for saving music and art programs in the East Valley School District. Rarely did she hold back in expressing her beliefs, and she lived out her values of justice and equality in her day-to-day existence.  She was well known for her wit and love of laughter. A gathering of togetherness and remembrance for Karin will be held at the Zephyr Lodge on the shores of Liberty Lake at 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 21st.  All are welcome.  Please see additional details on the Hennessey Valley Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, a You Caring account has been set up to help the family in this difficult time.  Donations can be made at www.youcaring.com (search for fundraiser “Karin Divens”).

**Dear Family and Friends**

Thank you so much for all the love and support you have shared with Karin’s family over the past days.

We warmly invite you to a gathering of togetherness and remembrance to celebrate the life that Karin shared with all of us this Saturday, October 21st at 3:00 p.m.  The formal portion of the afternoon will begin @ 3:30.  The get together will be held at Zephyr Lodge, a beautiful and spacious historic building right above Liberty Lake, surrounded by the water and the colors of fall. As it suits her so perfectly, and will be filled with those she loves, we are certain she will attend. 

This will be a casual celebration, so dress comfortably. Feel free to bring a potluck item, beverages (alcoholic beverages are welcome), your children and your fondest memories of Karin to share. Dogs are not allowed at this property.

Additionally, the family will be illuminating and displaying pumpkins that have been carved out with a single word that whispers to them of Karin. We welcome you to create your own and bring them to join ours - we’ll have extra candles.

Parking directly at the lodge is limited. Please reserve those spaces for those who need them most.  Just beyond Zephyr Lodge on the same road is the Liberty Lake Regional Park with lots of parking and a .3 mile walk back to the lodge. There will be a well marked spot right next to the lodge for drop offs before parking at the Park. Carpooling is encouraged.  There will also be plenty of space to store spare shoes, umbrellas if needed and flashlights. 

We look forward to sharing this special time with each of you and urge you to forward this invitation to any who might wish to attend.

Zephyr Lodge

1900 South Zephyr Road

Liberty Lake, WA 99019

509-994-8262

We have made special arrangements for group hotel rates ($85.99 king/ $89.99/2 queen) at the Best Western Plus in Liberty Lake.  To take advantage of this, call 509-755-1111 and let them know you are with the Divens party.  Amenities include free breakfast, free parking, free wi-fi, and a swimming pool and spa.  Other hotels in the area include the Quality Inn Liberty Lake (pets welcome) and the Sleep Inn Post Falls, both available for slightly lower rates online.

Further questions can be directed to Kathy Hall at 360-433-0765 (phone/text) or surrounded.in.glory@gmail.com. 

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