Grandma Cupcake

Sadly, after a year of health struggles, our Grandma Karin, Gail's mom, passed away on February 17, 2012. We were so thankful for the wonderful time we've had with her recently, especially all the time this summer that the kids got to spend with her. She showed us so much love and joy, and she'll forever be Grandma Cupcake to Dane. We were so lucky to have her in our lives and we hope to pass down the way she lived her life to our kiddos. From the Madison papers:

Madison - Karin Ann Miller, age 85, died on Friday, February 17, 2012 at UW Hospital in Madison. She was born on January 2, 1927 to Ragnar and Marta Olson in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Karin grew up on the south side of Chicago, eventually earning a full scholarship to Northwestern University, receiving a BS in Bacteriology. She was married to the love of her life, Ralph Miller, on April 30, 1949. They enjoyed friends and family in Wilmette, IL, and adored all seasons at their vacation home on Green Lake, WI. They also enjoyed extended periods of time in Juno Beach, FL. Karin became a cancer survivor at age 42, was widowed at age 60 but continued to find joy in devoting her life to family. Karin was a kind, giving, and nurturing woman who filled the room with laughter and joy. She loved life, traveling with friends to China, Russia, and Australia and also visiting her extended family in Sweden many times. In February, 2007, Karin moved to Oakwood Village in Madison and totally enjoyed independent living activities and especially her 4th Floor friends at Heritage Oaks. She was a passionate Bears fan while living in Chicago and became an equally passionate Packers (especially Aaron Rodgers!) fan after moving full-time to Madison. Karin is survived by her two children, Stephen Ralph Miller (Sheila) and Gail Karin Anderson (Michael), and her four grandchildren, David Miller, Lindsay Miller Kamnetz (Aaron), Mark Anderson (Larissa), Steven Anderson, and two great grandchildren, Dane Anderson and Aria Anderson. Funeral services will be held at the Resurrection Chapel, Oakwood Village West, 6205 Mineral Point Rd, at 6:00 PM on Monday, February 20. Friends may call at 5:00 and a short reception will be held after the service, in Heritage Oaks Nakoma/Westmorland Room. Memorials may be made to Oakwood Village Foundation, 6205 Mineral Pt Rd, Madison, WI 53705. The family is thankful for all the wonderful care Karin received from everyone at Oakwood, especially the Residential Care staff. Karin also enjoyed the visits of her special Hospice nurse, Sara Kolk.