Gerald Shenk After visiting the floating Vietnamese village, we rented bikes and rode out into the Cambodian countryside looking for the famous pottery from that region. Karen spied a group of women making pottery under a canvas shelter, and we stopped for a chat with them. Being fluent in Kmai, she asked them who they worked for, how they were paid, etc., and then a white man arrived on a motorcycle. He was very upset to see us. No one will be surprised to know that upon discovering he was "the boss" of this operation, Karen lit into him for the long hours and low pay these these women received for pottery that would fetch a pretty price at Nordstrom's in the U.S. Of course, Karen was unfazed by his threats to have us arrested.

Gerald Shenk With Karen at the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 2013. Spending a few days with Karen in Phnom Penh and surrounding countryside was one of the richest experiences of my life.

Gerald Shenk Karen at floating Vietnamese village along a tributary of the Tonle Sap River northwest of Phnom Penh. Boatloads of other women and children brought us food for sale, which Karen bought, and we had our lunch there on the water. Karen ate what local people ate, and if you were with her, you did too.

Gina Walter I have known Karen for 5 years. We met at Alirikos Guest House during the adoption of our children. We lived together for about 2 months. We explored Uganda together, cried tears together, and celebrated together. And she loved to celebrate everything! One of my favorite moments was our dance party that Karen started. It brought such joy and laughter to our day! Our kids (Whitney, Miracle, and Mercy) spent a lot of time together becoming such great friends. Karen was a beautiful force, with such confidence and grace. She embodied love and compassion for others. She knew how to have fun and we had some amazing conversations. Her smile and laughter were contagious. Two years ago I had dinner in Kampala with Karen and Whitney. It was such a blessing to be back together sharing a meal. I will cherish that final hug forever. Karen, you will be so missed. Thank you for sharing yourself with the world. Gina Walter

Ayumi Matsuura I met Karen when I started salsa in Phnom Penh about 10 years ago. Her decision of adapting Whitny was surprising, but obviously it was one of the best decision she made. She was happier and stronger. She was a great mother and Whitney was a wonderful kid. I loved spending time with them. We always talked about how Whitney is special and what she would become in the future. One time we tried ice skating (in Phnom Penh!), thinking she might become an ice skating athlete and join an olympic in the future. She always invited me to visit them in Uganda. She wanted to show me how well Whitney can dance. I loved the idea.

Steve Greene Karen and Whitney visiting Fran and Steve Greene in San Diego. Went to the zoo and had a wonderful time. We will miss you Karen.

Fran Greene San Diego visit July 2016 with Fran and Steve

Shanon Nakitende My is Nakitende sophia shanon whitney's biological mother its so sad to land on such hurting news really can't believe mama karen is no more shes the woman i trust with my daughter without any hesitation she was really a sweetheart so adorable and understanding, she promised to come visit me again with whitney am so sorry for my daughter to lose her loving mom really don't know what to do may anyone with my daughter please contact me i know that i have no right on her because I gave all the right to mama Karen but just want to know if my daughter i safe 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭rest peace mama Karen may the lord strengthen your hear baby whitney i know what your going through

Shanon Nakitende My is Nakitende sophia shanon whitney's biological mother its so sad to land on such hurting news really can't believe mama karen is no more shes the woman i trust with my daughter without any hesitation she was really a sweetheart so adorable and understanding, she promised to come visit me again with whitney am so sorry for my daughter to lose her loving mom really don't know what to do may anyone with my daughter please contact me i know that i have no right on her because I gave all the right to mama Karen but just want to know if my daughter i safe 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭rest peace mama Karen may the lord strengthen your hear baby whitney i know what your going through

Gina Walter Dinner in Kampala with Karen and Whitney before flying back to Colorado.

Jill Pribyl Dear Whitney, Your mom was a devoted parent who only wanted the best for you. She drove many kilometers to bring you to ballet class each week and she loved you dearly. We will miss her and keep her in our hearts. Jill

Kerry Poethig This is the Karen in 2012. She would put me up in her 5th floor walk up in Phnom Penh on the other side of Monivong Blvd ($120/month); more like a roof porch with guard rails. No screens and you rolled down the tarps when it rained. She was a gender consultant with various NGOs and we would talk and complain about our research projects. This was her Karen outfit: kroma hair wrap, lined cotton tops, black pants. She had wild hair and great legs. She would bargain in Khmer with the tuktuk drivers, share contacts, laugh her big laugh. Whitney, I think she first brought you here in 2015 before moving to a safer place.

Kerry (Kathryn) Poethig Mother daughter arm wrestle. Visiting California in the summer of 2018.

david Clatworthy Karen just couldn't resist an adventure, she loved to be out in the world, and was always so curious and interested in everything around her. But her first love was always you Whitney, you were the center of her world. And she will be in your hearts forever.

Carly Van Orman Thanksgiving, 2019 at Makindye. There are pics of Karen in a turkey hat too. :)

Romina Köhler Dear Whitney I met your mum at Ambrosoli and we often saw each other at the events of 7Hills. Now that I have to recall memories, I notice that she talked fondly and so very often about you. In fact I don‘t remember ever having talked to Karen without her speaking at least once about you. She loved To watch you dance, she loved that fact that you loved reading like her and wanted you to get the best education possible. Even in her last whatsapp message she wrote to me she spoke about you. I attached the picture of that. Karen was an amazing, warm hearted, positive, kind, curious and extremely intelligent woman. It is sad she could not stay longer with you but may the memories of her and all she thought you stay with you and help you grow into that amazing woman she saw in you.

david Clatworthy Camping in Kidepo, Summer 2019

Ssesanga Moses I am so devastated to learn of Dr.Karen L Green's passing 😭. I met Karen around May 2017 (3 years now) and she recruited me as her Research Assistant, translating for her Luganda from among street children as she was embarking on her research work. It was a memorable time that we had alot to share, learn and laugh about during the 6 months I had with her as well as my encounter with Whitney. I send my sincer heartfelt condolences to her Whitney 🙏 as well as her entire family 💔. May Your Soul Rest in Eternal Peace 🙏 will miss you always. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” | Matthew 11:28 🙏

Fran Greene Karen was our first cousin. Even though we only saw her a few times, we were thrilled when she adopted Whitney and came to San Diego to meet her. We took boat rides on the bay s as nd had a lovely visit. Whitney is always welcome to visit. Fran and Steve Greene

Fabienne Décamps Hard to believe this sad news. I really hope Whitney can deal with this. I send this picture of Halloween day in Phnom Penh, 2016. Karen invited Anna this special day. That was a really good day. Whitney was in class with Anna and they had so much fun together. On pense très fort à elle et si de France on peut faire quoi que ce soit, vous pouvez compter sur nous. Anna dit «  on pense bien fort à toi. Bon courage plein de bisous »

Ikyiriza Eliab I met Dr. Greene in January 2017. She was Lecturer at Uganda Christian University. She later took me on as my Dissertation supervisor. I learnt a lot from her in the field of Anthropology and Ethography. She sacrificed a lot of her comfort and schedules for my sake. I last talked to her two weeks ago and she sounded really fine. What hurts me most, she has gone before I graduate. Before the fruits of her labour from me😭😭. I enjoyed the American Pancakes she used to serve me at her house in bugolobi. Stay strong Whitney. My thoughts and prayers for you. Rest well Dr. Greene.

Jill Grant

Kevin Pope These are pics of Karen, Whitney and my sister Arnelle Burgs trip to the SF Bay area in July of 2019. Karen stayed at our family home many times over the years. She was Arnelles college roommate in the 70's (I think:-)(That is the pic of Karen & Arnelle sharing a hug). The other pics are of their 2019 visit in various parts of the Bay Area, Tilden Park Merry-go-round, Sausalito (the parrot), Point Reyes National Seashore (the 3 & 4 of us facing front). She was a very outgoing woman and will be missed by all of us.

Leslie Palmer I am Karen first cousin. Our fathers were brothers. This is a picture from my wedding 8/28/1975. Karen is here with all our cousins.

Ssesanga Moses Strongly praying for you Whitney 🙏 . You have had all the perfect moments with Mum ❤️ and this will take time to heal but we have you close to our warm hearts. Stay strong and we shall all go through this together. RIP Mum Whitney 💔😢

Fran Greene Here are some more pics from the San Diego visit in 2016.

Jaap Blom We remember the sleep-overs with Mary, the pancakes you baked on Sunday mornings and the swims with Whitney. We will miss your lovely smile and kind heart dearly Karen. Jaap and Betty Blom from Netherlands.

leila duach even tho i did not know her very will i knew she was a great woman always there to help every one and loved her daughter so mach

Manuela Swangin

Giulia Greco Dear Whitney Your mum was a very special person to us all. She did and made very nice things like she made a cat costume out of a hat for the assembly at Ambrosoli. The hat was very beautifully made I liked that it was soft and fluffy, black with pink ears and a little pink nose. I wished I had one like that! She also baked cookies for us. They were a little burnt, but it was fun eating them. They tasted very yummy (my mum also baked cookies here in Lebanon, but they were also burnt!) Me, you and your mum went to Pizza Hut and had pizza. The pizza was very yummy, it was the first time there for me. It had melted cheese and warm tomato sauce. Your mum also bought us lollypops, she also made the best cake ever for your birthday!!! The chocolate cake was my favourite. It was very soft and chocolaty, with chocolate sauce on top. Your mum was the best mum ever, she will be in your heart forever. Whitney: I miss you. You are brave, strong and beautiful. Your friend, Penelope.

Cinzia Papavero Dear Whitney, your mother was a very awesome and brave woman. I remember when we met for the first time and went together on a trip to Jinja with my grandfather and Lorenzo. We had great fun and became friend. You and your mum came to my birthday party and we had lots of fun. She will remain in our memories forever. I miss you and I hope we can meet soon and keep in touch. lots of love from Sofia Krishnaswamy

Sheery Dancona Dear Whitney, We were greatly saddened to hear of the loss of dear Karen Greene. We're happy to have met you both and spend some wonderful times together in Cambodia. Do not hesitate to contact us, you have friends and family in Cambodia. Our condolences, Sheery, Sokhak, Leela and Leone.

Silja Rajander Dear Whitney, I am so sorry for your loss, so saddened. Your mom loved you so much. She was a good friend, with a great sense of humor and full of kindness and understanding of others. She was full of intellectual rigor and honesty, and I learned so much from my discussions with her, about the world, but also about myself. She taught me how to make the stuffing for turkey and how to cook it just right. I will miss her. She had many friends, as you can see from this page. You are, and will be in all our thoughts. Lots of love to you, with hugs, Silja PS: This photo is taken in mid-2015 in Cambodia. You and Mairead are so small in this photo - how time flies! (I am holding Mairead, Colleen's daughter - soon after, I left Cambodia for Myanmar, and we stayed in contact via emails and Facebook with your mom).

Kimberly Balastrieri I’m Karen’s second cousin on her mother’s side of the family. I’ve always been interested in Karen’s studies and travels. I found her fascinating, bold, thoughtful, controversial, yet quiet. She was always listening, interpreting, analyzing and pushing me unknowingly to think more deeply “outside the box.” I’m eternally grateful. I loved her visits to CA, although short, and in NJ as well. I loved her last visit with Whitney the most as we were able to do mommy things together; such as, lunch dates with the kids, Sea World and time at the Swim Club! My son loved jumping into the pool & running around with Whitney!! Karen was a great teacher but her most favorite job ever was being Whitney’s mom. She spoke of falling asleep holding hands together and of so many proud mom moments! She looked forward to an active future together; Team Greene. I know Whitney LOVED Disneyland and I wish I could have gone on that day trip! I wish we could have spent more time together. I will forever cherish those family times. I know, Whitney, you will grow to be a very strong and influential woman someday. Mommy will always be with you in your heart. Love you. Xo

Amanda Bradley Karen and I were old friends from Cambodia where I believe we met in 1998 or 1999. It was an interesting time to live there as many things were changing quickly. The expat community was small and friendly. Karen helped me to see a bigger picture of development work and our conversations often challenged me to think differently. We also had a shared love of chocolate cake (as seen in this photo), salsa dancing, and adventure. I remember Karen asked me to write a character reference for her to adopt, and I was of course glad to do so. I knew she would be a devoted and loving mother and that having a child would make her happy. I'm sorry I have not yet had the chance to meet Whitney (yet I hope to someday), but I have enjoyed following the updates on Facebook. I can tell that you both brought each other much joy.

Herbert Baguma As a coordinator in the secondary section of her last work place, I observed Ms. Karen as a very affectionate teacher that was deeply interested in the success of all her learners. She often wrote very lengthy messages to her students parents just to make sure that they completely understood what was happening in her classes. With a smile, she always showed concern for each and everyone of her students and of course was very cooperative as a member of the secondary school staff. In secondary school we were deeply devastated by the news of her death and its still a shock for me. I am thankful for the little time we worked together will surely miss you dearly.

Colleen McGinn Dear Whitney: I'm not sure if you remember us from Cambodia days, but your mom and I were buddies for a number of years. I'm a single mom by choice too, and so I was the one she spoke to about all her hopes and dreams and struggles to find you and become a mother. And she did! And then how you girls would play together! You would put on these matching Elsa outfits with hideous tattered wigs and preen and dance while Karen and I tried not to laugh because you both kind of looked like drunk George Washington in drag. I know that you love and miss her forever, but you have a LOT of people out there watching over you with love and you WILL be okay. -- Colleen & Mairéad McGinn

Elizabeth Meassick I worked with Karen when she did a short consulting for USAID Uganda in 2018. But our interactions were more outside of work as our daughters were in school together at Ambrosoli International School in Uganda. We attended birthday parties together and our children had play dates and sleep overs. All the kind words noted at Karen's memorial are also my experience. Our medical anthropology backgrounds led us to many cultural discussions. Our hearts go out to Whitney and we would to keep in touch with her in the future. Elizabeth Meassick Hello Whitney this is Angelica. I am very sorry that your mom pasted away. I can not imagine the pain and the sadness you are feeling. I wish that I was still in Uganda to spend time with you. My God help you to heal. I enjoyed the play dates at your and our house. I hope we can keep in touch and that you my come to Kenya to visit during one of the holidays. My GOD be with you all the time. Your friend, Angelica.

Elizabeth Meassick Whitney I am sharing our class play video. I hope you will enjoy the memory like I did. Your Friend, Angelica.

cynthia rogerson Karen was my roommate at Cal in 1978-79. We both studied English lit. I just found out she died three years ago. Even though it's been about 35 years since we met, it seems fundamentally wrong to think of the world without her in it. I always assumed we'd meet up again one day. We did a lot of things together for ten years - hitched around Europe and California, tried out various jobs and relationships, wrote a hundred postcards and letters. She was my oldest son's godmother and my brother's beloved girlfriend. We saw each other through various boy-related crises, and sorted out the world umpteen times. She gave me homemade gifts like paper mache marionettes, many of which I still have. I still have her mother's china (well, some of it...) Then I said something mean to her in a hastily written letter and she never forgave me. Dumb me, losing a friend like her. I have always wondered how she was doing, never imagining she'd continued the brave adventures and upped the ante. A PHD! Cambodia! Uganda! Helping the world's most vulnerable! Adopting! I wish I had a 10th of her integrity and courage and cleverness. She was a beautiful person in every way, and I so wish we'd made it up. I have more photos if anyone wants to see them. Also happy to be in contact with any of her friends. I'd like to know more about her life and also, her end. I hope it was quick and not too scary. Horrible to go so young. cynthia.rogerson@btinternet.com