Karen Starr Milligan's Obituary
Karen Bobb Starr Steppacher Milligan (née Steppacher) passed away on January 17th 2016. Karen was the loving wife of John M. Milligan. Dear mother to Michael Milligan, La Quinta, CA; Augustus Milligan, Cinnaminson, NJ. Grandmother to Nicholas R. Milligan, La Quinta, CA. Sister of Dr. Robert Steppacher, Barnegat Light, NJ; Lois S. Lazzarino, Mary Louise Steppacher, NYC; Augustus H. Steppacher, Jr., Clarks Summit, PA; the late Paul A. Steppacher, Jessup, PA; Ann P. G. Chamberlain, Farmingville, NY; and William C. Steppacher, Waverly, PA. Adored aunt to many nieces and nephews, beloved friend, wise mentor, and kind neighbor in Cinnaminson, NJ, and Surf City, NJ.
Any and all who met Karen were welcomed by her warm spirit, generous hospitality; inspired by her passion for life, and her commitment to excellence in each of her passionate endeavors.
Karen was a natural athlete who loved the outdoors. She excelled at skiing, and taught many to ski on the water and on the snow. She loved the outdoors, gardening, tennis, ocean kayaking, Rollerblading, golf, and bicycling- the only free ride her children ever got was as toddlers in her bicycle’s rickshaw on LBI Boulevard!
As a dedicated realtor in her chosen home of Burlington County, Karen was known to her customers and peers by her motto, “Promises made, promises kept”. She was elected by her peers as a Director of the Burlington Camden County Association of Realtors®, and subsequently served as President of the Association. Milligan was also chosen to serve two terms as the Association's Director representative for the NJ Association of Realtors®. Karen achieved many honors, in business and personally, including the prestigious Prudential President’s Circle award. An ageless wonder, she helped break barriers for women in many areas, in work and sports, and won many downhill competitions when skiing was still a new and challenging sport in the US. One of her favorite Mother’s Day gifts was her ocean kayak.
Karen was a Past President of the Moorestown Lions Club having served two consecutive terms. She was chosen to serve on the Moorestown Service Club Council, the panel which elects the Citizen of the Year, and served as Publicity Chair. When asked her philosophy, Karen often quoted Mario Andretti: " Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek ". She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Karen was a guiding light and shining example to many, mother by birth or by choice, providing a hot meal, a warm heart, and an open mind and home. Indeed, Karen will be sorely missed by any and all who had the great blessing to have known her.
Friends and relatives are invited to Karen’s Life Celebration gathering on Tuesday, January 26th from 4:00pm to 7:00 pm at Carlucci’s Waterfront, 876 Centerton Rd, Mt. Laurel, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity. To share your favorite memories of Karen, please visit GivnishFuneralHome.com
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