Arrangements for the funeral of Karen Garry Silvera
Thursday 10th April 2025 at 12pm
Abbots Morton Village Hall
Karen’s family and friends are invited to attend a ceremony at Abbots Morton Village Hall on Thursday 10th April at 12pm to celebrate her life and say goodbye to her. All those who knew and loved Karen are welcome to attend.
This will be followed by a family only committal at nearby Westall Park natural burial ground. Everyone is welcome to stay for refreshments at Abbots Morton Village Hall, to continue to share stories and memories of Karen. The family will rejoin shortly after.
If you are able to attend, please complete the RSVP below to help Karen’s family manage numbers.
You will find details for Abbots Morton Village Hall, dress code, and how to donate, in the sections below.
Karen’s family welcome any tributes, words of remembrance and stories about her so do feel free to leave any messages at the bottom of this webpage. (Please note comments are moderated so do not go live immediately)
Abbots Morton Village Hall
Address: Abbots Morton Village Hall, Abbots Morton near Inkberrow Worcestershire WR7 4NA
For directions here’s a link to the location of the village hall on google maps
Here’s a link to the Village Hall website
Turning off Radford Rd into Abbots Morton you carry on up the lane for about 1/2 a mile and you will see a sign to the Village Hall on the left.
Any problems finding the hall please call: 0121 444 0437.
Donation / Flowers
Family flowers only please. Donations in Karen’s memory can be made to Cancer Research UK, there will be a donation box available on the day too.
Dress Code
Family would greatly appreciate it if all attendees wore an accent of purple or green in their attire.
Messages / Comments
Karen’s family welcome any tributes, words of remembrance and stories about her so do feel free to leave any messages at the bottom of this webpage. (Please note comments are moderated so do not go live immediately)
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If you are attending this funeral and would like to find out more about what we do and what you might experience our ‘About Us’ page is a great place to start.
This smiley lady turned up at choir one week and was delighted to be singing Choral Classics, for her first concert. She was so happy! That was Karen! Up for a new challenge, always happy, smiley and friendly. She loved her family so very much and everybody loved her. A bright star. She will always hold a place in my heart ❤️ Much love to her family and closest friends xxx
Ian and Karen are our oldest Birmingham friends. We loved Karen’s spirit and generosity, she was a true original
I met Karen many years ago when she was running a project with Jeanette and I decided to get involved. I remember she loved her motorcycle and was so positive and friendly and encouraged me to take on some responsibility for part of the project group, which I did, and it changed my life. She introduced me to her wonderful family and friends as well including introducing me to my future bestie,and also I went on my first flight ever when we went to San Francisco, which is another story. I have many lovely memories of Karen and I’m glad I spent some time with her and Ian at a recent night out. I will miss her very much xx
Aunty Karen you will be forever missed and forever loved. Boxing day will never be the same without your laughter and joy.
Karen was a member of In Sound Company Choir and was a big part in organising our 10th Anniversary concert and party. She loved to sing with us and we with her.
Only a few weeks ago we went to see Matthew Bournes Swan Lake and somehow she managed to be with us. A beautiful determined lady who was so kind to me in many ways. I will miss her very much.
Much love to her family
RIP Karen xxx
Karen became a treasured friend after my Mum died in 2018, we would often chat and talk, initially about our memories of my Mum (her friend) but then about lots of other things. She was generous, funny, unassuming, clever and saw both sides of every situation. I will miss her wisdom so much as will everyone who knew her. You find friendship in the strangest of places so cherish and nourish at every opportunity x
I met Karen when I joined Healthwatch Dudley eleven years ago now. Besides being a dedicated Board member who was so caring and efficient, she also had a great sense of humour.
I recall being in a quiz team one night when I was fairly new, along with another Board member, competing against other voluntary organisations. We were a bit naughty and had a right laugh trying to say ‘Lady Diana’ without moving our lips (if you watch Peter Kay’s car share, you will know what I mean. A great memory.
Karen will be missed in so many ways. My love and thoughts are with Karen’s family.
I want to add some more about Karen. She loved a good laugh, she loved music and dancing. There were many nights out with family and friends that included lots of dancing. She loved the theatre and cinema, although beware if you sat next to her watching a movie that made you jump cos you would end up with bruises from Karen grabbing your arm 😁.
I remember her stomping up the very steep hills in San Francisco and waiting for me to catch up saying “come on Jo”.I remember how stunning she looked at her wedding in her gorgeous dress. I remember how much she loved her family.
I am grateful to have many memories of Karen and they will stay with me and warm my heart xx
I’m going to miss auntie Karen, from going round every year for Lara’s birthday as children and only liking the breadsticks off the spread she use to put on (always olives no idea why). As i grew up I got to see how smart and funny you was, and carrying us to victory when doing a quiz whether that was in a pub or on Boxing Day! I’m going to miss you, Christmas won’t be the same without you, love you auntie Karen xxx
We got to know Karen in the last 2 years and were struck by her positivity , warmth and Joie de vivre. Such a courageous person always interested in others with a practical approach to life .
Polly and I were, with Karen, members of the Birmingham for People organisation in the late 80s and 90s, a very significant gathering of dedicated individuals who achieved much together. Karen and Polly were members of the pioneering BfP Women’s Group, and I think that Karen was its first paid worker, and did excellent work. Polly may choose to write some more about Karen later.
Joe
I met Karen when she came to work with Birmingham for People Women’s Group and brought an energy and focus to what we were doing. We achieved a lot and I’m very proud of the work we did together. I seem to remember that she came to her interview wearing a very striking suit with a large black and white houndstooth pattern, which was very ‘in your face’! An impressive woman!
I first met Karen through the ‘Birmingham for People’ Women’s Group — she was our first paid worker. She was an ideal worker/colleague/group member : lively, fun and full of good ideas, as well as hard-working, inspiring and reliable ! . . . (I hope this doesn’t read like a job reference ! . . .)
She had such natural charm and warmth that she could engage with all kinds of people, even those who didn’t necessarily share her views — a truly exceptional person : she will be deeply missed.
Karen and I worked together as freelance consultants. Karen was kind, funny, extremely knowledgeable and was very meticulous about the detail. Karen I have learnt so much from you and will always remember working with you in Birmingham training up community researchers. You will be sorely missed by all who knew you. My thoughts are with your family. Journey well Karen xx
I was Karen’s hairdresser/friend for about 15 years ! I will miss seeing Karen and miss our chats. We had highs and lows in those 15 years but Karen was always such a positive person, and was so supportive to me too always there for everyone, chatting with Karen always brought calm. Karen spoke about her children with pride ! And of her best friend/husband Ian x
So many memories, I’m so sad you’re gone. Goodbye my friend x
I first met Karen when I became the Chief officer of Healthwatch Dudley, Karen had been involved as a board member since the inception, over ten years ago. She was so kind and generous with her wealth of experience and intellect. I loved the catch ups the three of us would have in Sally’s garden and her insight was invaluable to me as a new manager of the service. Even when she had to leave the board due to detreating health, she kept an active interest and emailed and caught up with me over coffee. I could tell she loved her life and appreciated the subtle interactions as well as the big adventures.
I’m very grateful to have known her and I look back with fond admiration on her outlook, knowledge, skill and optimism. My thoughts are with her family at this very sad time. Love Jason and team Healthwatch Dudley
My sincere condolences on the passing of Karen. I only worked with her for a few years, but she was always the most generous of people, happy to share her time, her k owledge and her warmth. I always looked forward to working with her. She was an enthusiastic take parter of our 7 day quiz and I always liked it when I could find a fun fact she liked. I will have fond memories of my time I knew her. All my love Wendy (PCC)
Our daughters formed a friendship at primary school and so we spent many a day together in the holidays. We were both navigating being parents and I look back and smile at some of the things we encountered. I remember Karen being fun and kind and just a lovely human. Times to treasure. Sending love to Karen’s lovely family. Sarah, Freya and Lewis.
I want to say how sadden I am to hear of Karen’s death and want to express my sincere condolences to Karen’s family. Karen was a governor and a parent at Gig Mill school when I worked there. I remember how passionate she was about supporting the children and the school, she always wanted the best for all the children and cared for the staff too. Karen had a good sense of humour, I can remember her twinkling eyes as I write this when she laughed and she had so much energy and drive in everything she did. Wishing Karen’s family strength and comfort at this sad time.
Deepest condolences on the passing of Karen, she was just the most impressive person I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, she and Polly made a great pair and supported us through some of our most challenging times. Karen you were determined and you fought so hard, when I saw you last I gave you a cuddle and was so pleased to see how well you looked. Was shocked by the news that followed. Wishing you peace and light now.
I’ve just finished watching a video of us as kids, when we visited Iron Bridge, with my mom, Auntie Karen, Uncle Anthony and my Grandma… Core memory unlocked. I will always remember our Christmas’s, it won’t be the same not getting a box of cedarwood smellies from you. I think my earliest memory (I think), we were at Kennelworth Castle (Not sure if this correct, I think it was Kennelworth) and we played a game of “What’s the time Mr Wolf”… it was exhilarating. But most importantly, I will her kind spirit, enthusiasm and support, no matter what I did. She showed such admiration and encouragement for which I will always cherish. Auntie Karen has always been kind, funny and real. I will miss her very much, thank you for everything. Love you Auntie Karen xxxxx
I am sorry I cannot be there today but will be taking a moment, to remember Karen and to be thinking of you all.
I met Karen when we served on the board of governors at GIg Mill Primary School. We worked together with Greg to get funding to keep the school swimming pool going, and to accomplish an amazing refurbishment of the facility. We became friends and our paths crossed at events where Karen’s choir sang alongside the orchestra I play in.
She inspired me so much. always encouraging me in my ventures and helping me to see my potential. We had planned coffee together and I regret so much that our coffee meet up didn’t happen. She was so easy to talk to, we just got on with each other so well and met at all sorts of random places like the Brexit march /rally in Birmingham. My children went through school with Karen’s. You may not know me, but I will remember your mum always and hold her dearly in my heart. An amazing lady with a lot of knowledge and passion for making a difference to the world we live in. I will miss her and am so very sorry for your loss.
Even though it is some time since Karen’s funeral, I still want to pause and send a message to reflect on the woman and person that Karen was. I am messaging as CEO of a rape crisis charity (called RSVP) that Karen worked alongside from at least 2010 (it may even be earlier than that). Karen was (and always will be) a key part of the history of our charity. She was a great, supportive and kind ally and supporter of our work, an area of work that others would shy away from. Not Karen! She was bold, believed in our charity and in our team. She consulted with both our team and some of the victims and survivors we support too. Whoever she met, she engaged with them, showed them warmth, and listened carefully to their views and opinions. She was a critical friend to us too, and helped us develop a way that better demonstrated the impact our services have on survivors. She also wrote all our Adult Counselling Evaluation Reports. Here Karen showed her amazing ability to understand, convey and analyse complex information, then writing it down in a very accessible and understandable format. She really was a clever woman.
Words I use when thinking of Karen are: Change maker. Empathic. Warm. Calm. Intelligent. Energetic. Ally.
When I informed the team of Karen’s sad death, some of the words they used: Massive supporter of RSVP. She kept us on track. Helped us understand and navigate complex things. Kind, gentle and warm. Lovely person. I met Karen just once and the love she had for RSVP was plain to see. Trusted colleague. Warm, funny and energetic. She really cared.
From everyone at RSVP, we wanted to say that Karen was one of a kind, and that the world was definitely a better place for having her in it. Our thoughts are with all her family, friends and loved ones at this very sad time.