Birdena "Bea" Karr

Birdena Lenore Karr, lovingly known as Bea, Buzzy, Nana, Auntie Bea, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, in Wenatchee, Washington, at the extraordinary age of 107. Bea was born on May 22, 1919, on her parents' homestead near Mansfield, Washington, to Jacob Cornelius Jansen and Ida Bell Shumaker Jansen. She spent her life in Washington State, primarily on the east side, and carried with her a deep love for the land, its people, and its traditions. Growing up in Chelan alongside her two older sisters and younger brother, Bea was a spirited tomboy with an adventurous streak. She often enlisted her younger brother, Ora, in her mischievous escapades. Her father built the beautiful family home where many treasured childhood memories were made. During her youth, she formed a friendship with the chief of the Chelan Tribe and often joined him on fishing trips. Those experiences helped shape a lifelong passion for fishing, a skill and love she would pass down through generations. Opening day of fishing season became a cherished family tradition, bringing together children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren around the waters she loved. One of Bea's sisters, Ruthie, once predicted that she would meet and marry a tall, dark stranger. That prophecy came true when her sister introduced her to Noel Charles Karr, affectionately known as Nick. It was “love at first sight”! The two married on July 10, 1938, and quickly knew they had found their lifelong partner. Their marriage was filled with love, adventure, hard work, and laughter. Together they raised three daughters: Dona, Polly, and Toni. Throughout their lives together, Bea and Nick built not only businesses but also communities. They lived on both sides of the Cascade Mountains, owning Baldy's Tavern in Milton, Washington, and later the Columbia Motel in Ephrata. Their hospitality became legendary. Whether family, friends, or travelers staying at the motel, everyone was welcome at their table for Thanksgiving and countless other gatherings. Later, they managed the Starlite Motel until retirement. Even retirement could not slow Bea down. True to her nickname, "Buzzy”, she rarely sat still. She continued working as a sample representative at Costco and remained active well into her later years. She loved tending her garden and could spend hours among her flowers and plants, nurturing beauty with the same care she gave to the people in her life. Bea was unforgettable. Her beautiful blue eyes twinkled with mischief and warmth. When something delighted her, she would giggle, and her toes would wiggle. She loved music and dancing and shared that joy freely with everyone around her. Family game nights often included spirited rounds of Scrabble, where she occasionally slipped in a naughty word just to surprise and challenge her opponents. She possessed a childlike curiosity, a wonderful sense of humor, and a stubborn streak that served her well throughout her 107 years. Above all, Bea loved fiercely. She welcomed people into her life without hesitation and made room at her table and in her heart for anyone who needed it. She was a force of love, kindness, generosity, and determination. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she leaves behind a legacy that spans generations. Bea was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Noel "Nick" Karr; her daughter, Dona; her sons-in-law, Lyle, Garry and David; her grandson, Herb; her parents, Jacob and Ida; and her siblings and many dear friends whom she cherished throughout her long life. She is survived by her daughters, Polly and Toni; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; thirty-two great-great-grandchildren; and countless extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by her presence. Though her family mourns her passing, they celebrate a life exceptionally well lived. Bea's laughter, dancing spirit, twinkling blue eyes, and boundless love will remain woven into the fabric of family stories and traditions for generations to come. In honoring Bea, her family remembers a woman who never stopped moving, never stopped loving, and never stopped finding joy in the simple wonders of life. Bea's legacy lives on in every cast fishing line, every flourishing garden, every family gathering, and every burst of laughter shared around the table. After 107 remarkable years, the world is a little quieter without Bea's laughter, but immeasurably richer for the love, generosity, and joy she shared. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her stories, traditions, and spirit will continue to live on in the generations who were fortunate enough to know and love her. A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday next year, Saturday, May 22, 2027, at 8 Mile Creek in Honeymoon Campground, a place filled with cherished family memories and where the ashes of beloved family members have been laid to rest. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Bea's extraordinary life, share stories, laughter, music, and memories, and celebrate the enduring legacy of the woman so many lovingly knew as Buzzy. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley of East Wenatchee.

Birdena "Bea" Karr

May 22, 1919 - June 23, 2026