"Gary and Brianna: Through Boeing, I worked and travelled with Karen for over 15 years. Karen stands out as being one of the most genuine and positive people I have ever encountered. She always had a smile on her face and approached the most difficult situations with wonder, compassion, empathy and love. She was a good listener and truly loved the people she worked with. I have fond memories of our work together and our travels, Karen's smile, her curiosity and her joy. Bon voyage, Karen. Love to you wherever you are."
In loving memory of
Karen Hoglund Burt
November 5, 1956 - August 2, 2018
Karen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones, on August 2, 2018, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Seattle on November 5, 1956, raised on Mercer Island and attended Curtis High School in Tacoma. A graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Karen worked for AT&T for five years both in Seattle and Chicago. She then earned her MBA at the Harvard Business School, graduating in 1986, and went on to her wonderful career at the Boeing Company. She later completed the Executive Advanced Management Program at the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College.
Karen was an expert and avid snow skier, trail runner, mountain biker, and inline skater. She loved to read, write notes to loved ones, and spend time with her family and friends.
Since joining Boeing, Karen served in a variety of management positions across Corporate, Research and Technology, and Boeing Computer Services in public relations, communications, community relations, business strategy and development, marketing and information services. She loved the energy and people at the Boeing Company. Karen relished mentoring younger employees and always made time for anyone who asked. Though there are many achievements, she was especially proud of promoting the launch of Boeing's first website, her role as head of the Shared Services Group (SSG) Communications Services Organization, her pioneering role on the Boeing Diversity Council, and her work as Director of SSG Business Support to Boeing's Engineering, Operations & Technology (EO&T) Organization. Her final task, and what she viewed as her legacy project, was developing the criteria for standardizing and enhancing the overall employee experience at Boeing. That program is being implemented today. Karen retired from the Boeing Company last January after 32 years.
Karen served on several boards of service and arts agencies in the community. She is a past board chair of Senior Services of King County, now Sound Generations. That position was all the more rewarding because she served alongside her father, Paul Hoglund.
Karen was unwaveringly optimistic.
She would light up a room when she entered, and had a gift for making you feel your best when around her. She leaves an enormous void in the lives of everyone she touched.
Karen is survived by her husband of 35 years, Gary, her daughter Brianna Burt (Chris), her parents Paul and Vesta Hoglund, her sisters Karla Benson (Rodger) and Kathy Soden, and her nieces Jennifer, Kristine (Steve), and her nephews Ryan (Janessa), Jason and Josh (Kristin).
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, August 10, 2018 at Saint Andrew's Lutheran Church in Bellevue.
Karen and her family are grateful beyond words for the care provided by Dr. Henry Kaplan and his team of nurses and administrators at the Swedish Cancer Institute. Also Dr. Richard B. Clarfeld at Overlake Hospital.
Memorial donations may be made to the Kaplan Research Fund, part of the Swedish Cancer Institute. Dr. Kaplan's philosophy of "to make the most out of life," matched Karen's perfectly.
Tributes
"Dear Gary and Brianna: We are so very sorry. Our prayers are with you and your family. I was honored to work with Karen for many years. Karen was a wonderful mentor and teammate to me and so many others. She was so creative, innovative and unique, always inspiring the best from her team. While most of our work was done virtually, separated by multiple time zones, her genuineness and depth of character would always shine through the distance and distractions. She was a leader who demonstrated to all of us how to do things right and care for others along the way. She graced our lives and made a difference. We will always remember her joyful spirit. Jerry Hudlin."
"Gary and Brianna, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family. Karen was such a beautiful, warm, friendly person, and we feel fortunate to have known her. Hugs from Mary and Steve Francis "