Karen Melchor Froman lived fully and joyfully. She was only fifty-seven years old when she died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 28, 2009 of complications from a respiratory infection.

Karen was born Nov. 20, 1951 in South Bend, Indiana, the second child of Jack and Norma Melchor. She grew up in Palo Alto, California and graduated from Henry M. Gunn High School in 1969. She came to Portland, Oregon in the fall of 1969 to attend Lewis & Clark College, where she met her future husband, Bill Froman, and made many lasting friendships. She remained in Portland thereafter. Karen graduated from Lewis & Clark with a degree in International Relations, and she and Bill were married shortly after on September 7, 1974.

Karen worked predominantly with the Melchor Corporation throughout her adult life, where she was on the Board of Directors and involved with development and investment activity. However, she considered her children, John and Bonnie, her full-time occupation.

Karen supported and was involved in many civic organizations, including the Oregon Symphony and the Oregon Zoo. She was a member of the Portland Golf Club, and she loved participating in her book club, supper club, and bridge club.

Karen and Bill lived and raised their children in the Bridlemile neighborhood of Portland. They had recently moved to a new home in Vancouver, Washington. Karen was the consummate planner, and the new home exudes the care and focus on detail that she brought to everything. Karen was one smart cookie.

Karen is survived by her husband, William E. Froman, her children, John N. Froman and Bonnie K. Froman, John’s wife Vanessa, John and Vanessa’s son, CollinW. Froman, her siblings, Greg Melchor, Kay Melchor, and Jeff Melchor, her parents, Jack and Norma Melchor, her nephews and nieces, and a large corps of friends.