Karen had been Registrar at Eton End since 2008 and, as the first port of call for many parents, she was always the warmest and most welcoming person.  I think that she got a buzz from meeting new families and the ‘little ones’ as she called them, and showing off ‘her’ school.  Karen’s dedication to Eton End was always apparent and no more evident than the fact she continued working as long as possible, even when clearly unwell, to ensure she didn’t ‘let the school down’.  The current high pupil numbers are a true testament to her efforts during the most troubling of times in recent years – in both the wider COVID-19 environment, as well as for her personally.

The Eton End weekly newsletter was a very visible and high profile product that Karen delivered; she spent hours making sure the right information was shared and that it showed Eton End in the very best light – and kept our parents aware of the wonderful things happening in the school.  The laughs we had every Friday night, in a race against the clock to get the newsletter sent before the school was due to shut, will remain with us all.  The staff and governors have so many fond memories of Karen from the years she was at Eton End, from the way she could resource anything to her emergency Lucozade and Diet Coke!
As a colleague Karen was one of the kindest people, always putting others before herself.  She was an excellent cook and would often bake something for the office or staffroom to enjoy. Karen was extremely thoughtful and would always be there with wise words as she knew ‘something’ about almost ‘everything’.  

Karen was an integral cog in the Eton End wheel, who epitomised the school motto of ‘I Am, I Can, I Ought, I Will’; her sudden departure has left a big hole.  We will remember her as she would want us all to, with smiles and laughter, warmth and kindness.
 
Rest in Peace Karen, we will miss you enormously.