Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away August 25, 2001.
She was born in Copenhagen, Denmark Oct 19, 1912 to Carl Olaf Nielsen and Blanca Wilhemina Knudsen She married Carl Edvin Frederik Jensen Oct 24, 1932. Karen loved caring for her family and was also interested in cooking. She was trained and graduated from the Danish Culinary Institute and spent her lifetime cooking and teaching others to cook.
During World War II, Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany. Those were difficult years, but she was successful in helping and saving several Jewish families from the Nazi Gestapo.
Edvin, Karen and their family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1947 and emigrated to the USA in 1949. They settled in Salt Lake City in the LDS 10th Ward. They were sealed in the temple Oct 24, 1949 for time and all eternity. They were very active in the Church callings and made friends quickly. Edvin died suddenly in Nov 1953, so Karen carried on supporting their three children. She worked for many years as a cook and cafeteria manager for the Salt Lake School District.
Karen married Figat Breum in March 1958 and they were both very active in the LDS Danish Branch. She was a leader in the Relief Society and shared her love of people and the gospel with everyone. They enjoyed many years of happiness before he died in March, 1981. She spent the last 20 years being an example for her family. Although she had some health problems, her faith never wavered. She touched the live of many.
Karen had many talents. She loved to do needle point. She crocheted and knitted sweaters and hats for the homeless and made many blankets for Primary Children's Hospital. Karen had a wonderful sense of humor and a very quick wit. She laughed easily and brought joy to everyone around her.
The family would like to thank the residents and staff of the Millcreek Retirement Center for their loving care and friendship. They appreciate the support of Hospice this past week.
Karen, our wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, we love you and miss you but know that you are now free from the aging body that has slowed you down. You are now with other loved ones and are happy and finding the joy you deserve. You have left a legacy that we will try to follow. Your example will influence each of us and future generations.
Karen Jensen Breum is survived by two daughters, Hanne Duke (David), Park City, Annette Johnson (Jack), Salt Lake City, son, Bram (Jill), Salt Lake City; 12 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Blake A. Shumway.
Services will be Tues. Aug 28, 2001, 11 a.m., Winder LDS 7th Ward Chapel, 4350 S. 11th E, where friends and family may call one hour prior to the service. Interment, West Jordan City Cemetery, 7800 S. 1300 W.