Karen Lynn Ragan

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mother, wife, grandmother, and friend, Karen Lynn Ragan (Carr).

Karen passed away on the morning of September 8th, surrounded by loved ones in Port Townsend, where she lived with the love of her life, Joseph “Joe” Finnegan.

Karen was born in California and attended West Covina High School. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Washington, where she welcomed her two cherished sons, Ryan and Allen McLeod. In Port Angeles she also made lifelong friends with Bob and Teresa Beausoliel. After spending several years in the Port Angeles area, she welcomed her daughter, Jessica Ragan, before eventually settling in Port Townsend.

Karen lived in Port Townsend off and on for nearly forty years. She attended college in Bellingham before transferring to the University of Washington, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, reflecting her lifelong curiosity and interest in the world around her. As a devoted and hardworking single mother, she always made time for her children and worked to give them a safe and loving place to grow up, surrounded by friends and family.

Karen was an extraordinarily compassionate person. She was always willing to help someone in need and cared for friends through illness and injury. She spent several years volunteering with the Friends of the Library in Port Townsend, eventually serving as president. Her kindness, generosity, and spirit of service were qualities she passed on to all three of her children.

Above all, Karen loved her family. She was immensely proud of her children and absolutely adored her grandchildren. She loved having them over for sleepovers, taking them on adventures, and watching their excitement as they discovered new places. These outings were about more than the destinations—they were about spending time together, sharing laughter, and making memories. Her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy, and she cherished every moment with them.

Later in life, Karen met the love of her life, Joe Finnegan, and they were married in October 2023. Together they enjoyed adventuring, playing mini golf, going to garage sales and flea markets, traveling to different states, and even making it to Ireland. They found joy in exploring new places and simply spending time together. Karen was deeply loved and adored by Joe, and her children will always be grateful that she found such happiness and companionship with him.

Karen leaves behind a large and loving family: her husband, Joe Finnegan, and his children, Katie and Patrick; her step mother Carole Chan; her brother Matt Ragan and his wife Jill; her son Ryan McLeod, his wife Tracie, and their children, Gianna and Gavin; her son Allen McLeod, his wife Valarie, and their daughters, Emma and Natalie; and her daughter Jessica Ragan, her partner Michael Norman, and their children, Blyn and Lucas.

Karen will be remembered for her generous heart, her devotion to her family, her kindness to others, and the joy she found in the people she loved. She leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories that will be carried forward by her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held October 17th at the Palindrome from 3-6.