Karen E. Hook

It is with a heavy heart, I share that my mom, Karen Hook, passed away on March 13, 2023. She was born in Fairmount, Indiana to William Main Sr. ( Bud) and Rosemary Neeley Main ( Rosie). She was married to Charles Nye Hook.

Karen had a passion for animals. She won many awards in dog showing with her dog, Boy. She owed two pet shops, Pet Carrousel. She worked at Fish Warehouse and at Goldfish Gardens. She loved working at Goldfish Gardens because she was outdoors and loved the customers. In the early 1980’s, Karen brought a new family member into our family (Molly the monkey). My mom loved Molly and loved dressing her up. 

Karen loved to travel. We took many trips out west and we would stop at rest stops where she would cook on the Coleman Stoves. I remember the one stop at Mount Rushmore, it was pouring down rain. We all sat in the van while mom cooked pancakes on the grill outside. We took many road trips watching Autumn bowl for Purdue University. We made many trips to Disney World. She loved everything Disney especially Mickey Mouse. Her last trip to Disney was late February 2022. She had an amazing time doing all she loved: meeting Mickey Mouse, walking down Main Street USA, eating a dole whip, staying at the Contemporary and watching the water parade. She absolutely loved going on Disney Cruises and visiting all the ports of call.

She was preceded in death by Charles Hook (husband) who passed away on July 16,2022, Bud Main, Rosie Main and her brother, Bill Main.  She is survived by three children: Chuck Hook (Diana), Tami Beck (Steve) and Tig Hook-Miller (John). She had 8 grandchildren: Brittany Hook, Aly Walton (Michael), Madyson Hook, Quintin Beck, Bridgett Beck, Chloe Beck, Spencer Beck and Autumn Miller Webb (Sean). She also had two great grandchildren.

My mom fought a long hard battle with Alzheimer’s. My dad and I were her main caretakers until my dad broke his hip. In June 2022, she was moved into a memory care facility because my dad was in and out of rehab therapy for his hip. We tried to keep her at home as long as possible with me, Autumn and John splitting shifts. The last few years my mom and dad had together was so loving and touching to watch.

On February 25, 2023, Karen fell and broke her hip. Having Alzheimer’s it was hard for her to remember to use a walker or wheelchair. She transitioned to in patient Hospice on February 28,2023. On March 8, 2023 she was moved back to the Restoracy of Carmel. The day of her passing was the first time in two weeks she was up and in a wheelchair. She and I sat and talked while she drank a root-beer. Her memory was very good that day and we shared smiles and laughs. I took a photo of her because she was doing so well. Then 20 minutes later she passed. I am so grateful for our last day together and all the time I sat at the hospital holding her hand. 

My mom and I were inseparable. We did everything together. It was always my mom, dad, Autumn and me. We shopped together, traveled together and spent many hours in the bowling alleys. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease, but so happy that she always remembered me, my dad and Autumn. Every time I visited she had a big smile and was always happy to see me. 

I love you, Mom. I am so sad, but relieved you are out of pain and free of Alzheimer’s. I pray you and dad are happy together again in Heaven. 💕💕💕

I love you, Tig

If you wish to send a sympathy card or share any special memories, please contact Tig directly for address.