Karen
Mayry, a principle founder and first president of The NFB Diabetes Action Network,
died on November 28, 2006. She was 64 years old. Her husband, Marshall, said
that “Karen’s heart and soul was in the NFB in every aspect.”
They had been married for forty-one years.
Karen co-founded the Diabetes Action Network in 1985 at the National Federation of the Blind annual convention in Louisville, KY. She was extremely active in the Federation and served as president of the South Dakota state chapter for many years. She was recognized by the U.S. Senate as a “dedicated advocate for the blind in this nation,” in 2004. (See story on page 23.) Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the NFB, remembers Karen as “a woman of indomitable spirit, tremendous warmth and generosity, with a no-nonsense approach to living. When she wanted something done, she took personal responsibility to see that it was done.”
Her advocacy work was unparalleled. She always promoted the rights of the blind and strived to show both the blind and the sighted that blindness in no way indicates inability. Dr. Maurer states: “Karen Mayry was a magnificent lady, [and] a person I will miss enormously.”
Karen lead by example and her dedication to the mission of the NFB and the DAN was unsurpassed. We give thanks to Karen for her hard work and send our condolences to her family.
You may send sympathies to:
Marshall Mayry
5250 Pine Tree Drive
Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone: (605) 342-3885
e-mail: [email protected]