Karol Hope

Karol Kay Hope - 06/17/2002 Karol Kay Hope - 06/17/2002 KAROL KAY HOPE IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Karol Kay Hope, 60, of Idaho Falls, died May 31, 2002, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born April 11, 1942 to Major General Robert Joseph Gibbons (Ret. U.S.A.F.) and Helen Frances Draper in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. As a youth and Air Force B.R.A.T., she lived in many parts of the country, as her father served, relocating nearly every 2 years. As an adult, she lived in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, to finish her undergraduate studies, Mendocino, California to raise her daughter and Idaho Falls to be with her grandchildren for the last eight years of her life. She attended High School in Punahou, Honolulu, Hawaii, and began her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor finishing at U.C. L. A. in 1971 with a B.A. in Anthropology. She married Gordon Gaylord Hope in 1961 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. They were later divorced; he preceded her in death in 1983. At age 20, Karol Kay, with her husband's consent, sailed from San Francisco, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii on the Neophite, a single mast boat, with an all-girl crew and a captain, notoriously known for his media stunts. The news created an international intrigue story which made front page news in the Stars and Stripes newspaper, and reached her Father, then a Colonel, as he served a tour abroad. Following the expedition, Karol Kay's wishes have been to be cremated and her ashes spread to sea on the Pacific Ocean. She worked as a Legal Secretary for the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and later in New York. In the 1970's she brought national attention to the challenges of single parenting by co-founding a magazine for single parents called “Momma”, which with her co-editor, Nancy Young, stemmed the publishing of two books “Momma - The Source Book for Single Mothers” and “Out of the Frying Pan . . . A Decade of Change in Women's Lives,”(Double Day Press). Both books addressed the issues of single parenting and the social changes of women's lives as they entered the work force in great numbers in the 1960's and 1970's, and the effects on American families and children. In 1973, she received the Top 10 “Women of the Year” Award from Mademoiselle magazine and was interviewed on the Today Show by Barbara Walters. Later in life, she wrote articles for publications, maintained memberships in Air Force BRATS of America and the American Association of Retired Persons, and was an advocate of Public Library Services. From 1994-98, she worked at the Post Register as a Media Librarian. In addition, she became a gourmet cook, a master gardener and Secretary/Treasurer of her Condominium Association. She loved to read, especially mysteries, watch her favorite show, JAG, and spend time with her grandchildren, Nikolai and Jacqueline Novack. Surviving are:Daughter: Brandace (Peter Jensen) Hope , Shelley, IDFather: Major General Robert Joseph Gibbons (Retired U.S.A.F.), San Antonio, TXSister: Candace (Michael) Bumgarner, San Antonio , TXNephew: Kevin (Melanie) Bumgarner, Sr., San Antonio, TXSister-In-Law: Ellie (Peter McCarthy) Hope-McCarthySister-in-Law: Mary HopeGrandchildren: Nikolai and Jacqueline NovackShe was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Draper Gibbons and grandmother, Helen Draper Maddux. A Memorial/Wake will be at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 2002, at the Caspar Community Center, in Caspar, California. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Karol Kay Hope’s name to the STANFORD CARDINAL FUND, Women’s Volleyball Scholarship Program, Stanford, CA 94305, Phone - (650)723-5361. Arrangements are under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Dear Brandace -- I was saddened to learn yesterday (Sept. 12, 2002) of your Mom’s death. I knew her during most of the time she worked at the Post Register (I was a news clerk and later a proofreader and copy editor) . She was a wonderfully interesting human being. I admired her greatly and wish I hadn’t been too timid to pursue a closer friendship. I was known by the nickname Xani at that time but she always called me Xan, and when I changed my name legally in 1998 I chose her version. I think of Karol Kay often and hope I can grow to be as bold and full of love and laughter as she was. -- Xan Allen Posted by Xan Allen @ 09/13/2002 08:42 AM MST Dearest B,You'll never know just how much your ma meant to me. There will never be another woman like her, with her gifts and insights, and making children feel special about themselves. A true member of my class, she will be sorely missed. I love you tons, Kenny Posted by Kenneth Emerson @ 06/27/2002 09:17 PM MST Dear Brandace, Nikolai and Jacqueline: The power of her love of each one of you will protect and support you always; her unquenchable joy and adventurous, creative spirit has transformed us all and we carry you in our hearts always. Love, Lesley Posted by Lesley Wells @ 06/17/2002 11:29 AM MST If you would like to offer your condolences fill in the form below. Name E-Mail Message [ Previous Obituary - Barbara A. Knutson | Current Obituary | Next Obituary - Mary Beth Trussell ]