1948 – 2013

LEWISTON — Karen Marks Lemke, 65, of Lisbon Falls, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 28, at Central Maine Medical Center with friends and family by her side.

Karen was born on the same date in Rockland in 1948, the daughter of J. Edward and Geraldine Marks. She was raised in Thomaston and graduated from Georges Valley High School. On August 29, 1970, Karen married William Lemke of Warren.

A beautiful and vivacious woman of many talents, Karen earned a doctorate in Education from the University of Maine at Orono in 1979. She was a member of the faculty at Saint Joseph’s College for 35 years, including 21 years as chairperson of the Elementary Education Department. She was a beloved and dedicated teacher with numerous awards for her scholarship.

Karen wrote “Down East Detective” in 1987, inspired by the exploits of her father and other early Maine State troopers. For her efforts to recreate the history of the force, Karen was made an honorary captain in 2002.

Karen was a freelance journalist who contributed to many newspapers and magazines, was involved in many civic organizations, and was a noted public speaker. Her discussion on her experience of meeting the last Titanic survivor with memory of the disaster made national coverage.

Karen loved church suppers and fairs, meeting people everywhere and making friends. She loved Maine and animals of all sorts, but her greatest love was her family.

Karen is survived by her husband, Bill Lemke; daughter, Larissa and partner, Martin Menario; and grandson, Collin Lemke.

To view her complete obituary and to express online condolences to the family, please visit www.ctcrawford.com.

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