Karen Marie (Sorensen) Perkins

Karen Marie (Sorensen) Perkins
March 13, 1940 – December 1, 2025

Karen Marie Perkins, known lovingly as Mom, Ma, Mother Marie, Gma, and Gigi, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, in American Fork, Utah, at the age of 85 surrounded by family. Born on March 13, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, she was the eldest daughter of Hans Færch Sørensen and Evva Mae Hawley.

Karen was sealed for time and all eternity to the love of her life, Jerry Conrad Perkins, on May 22, 1959. Together they raised three daughters, Tracy, Lori, and Connie, while building a life filled with love, laughter, and faith.

She grew up in Santa Monica and raised her family in Westminster, California, later living throughout Southern California before moving to Utah in 2020. Karen loved playing games, especially cards, reading, and sharing adventures with Jerry, whether boating, traveling in “the bus,” motorcycling, waterskiing, scouting, or flying in their 1972 Cessna.

Her testimony of Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Karen served faithfully in many callings, including seminary teacher, Ward Young Women’s president, and Stake Young Women’s President, a role she treasured deeply. She loved the youth, often opening her home to those in need, and was a beacon of Christlike love and service. Her testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, was her most treasured possession and she earnestly desired for all to come to know Him and His restored gospel.

Karen was affectionately known as Gma, not only to her family but to everyone she met. She believed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were perfect, and to her they truly were. Her life was a testament to kindness and unwavering love. She was the perfect example of what a grandmother should be—a light that could not be hid.

Above all, Karen wanted her family to know how deeply she loved them. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her family, and her love for them was endless and unconditional.

She was preceded in death by her two older brothers Stanley and Keith, and the love of her life, Jerry. 

Karen is survived by her three daughters, Tracy (Sean) Williamson, Lori (Patrick) Fitzgerald, and Connie (Kirt) Williams; seven grandchildren—Amber (Kyle) Smith, Jeff (Ashley) Fitzgerald, Sean (Jenny) Fitzgerald, Zackary (Karly) Williamson, Masen (Ashlee) Williamson, Tyson (Taryn) Williamson, and Victoria (Caden) Walker; and 23 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. She is also survived by her sister Petrea Chester and See’s chocolate.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her light and love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Utah Viewing

Monday, December 8th from 6:00pm–7:30pm

Warenski Funeral Home 

1776 N 900 E

American Fork, UT 84003

California Funeral Services

Saturday, December 20th at 11:00am

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

6531 McFadden Ave

Huntington Beach, CA 92647 

Viewing will be held beforehand from 10:00am–10:40am

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen Marie (Sorensen) Perkins, please visit our floral store.