BURNHAM – Karen A. Bakal, 73, of Burnham, died on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, after a long illness at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor. She was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, the daughter of Seymour and Roselyn (Levine) Bauer. She was the eldest of three children. Karen spent her early childhood in Bayside, New York and in 1975, she married Sam Bakal. Sam and Karen moved to Waterville in 1985, where they raised their son, Scott. Whom she dearly loved.

Karen was a very soft-spoken lady and had a heart of gold and a brilliant mind, She didn’t enjoy being the subject to a great deal of recognition. She loved working with figures and teaching anyone interested on how to do Sudoku and loved reading, never forgetting birthdays.

Although Karen was incredibly quiet, her giving tree was larger than one could image. A few of her peers knew her generosity of giving, transporting someone in need, pay taxi fares, giving soft toys to babies, taking the elderly for rides on weekends. She loved to drive. Some of her wonders were, volunteering for over 10 years for Inland Hospital as a greeter/escort and was the first person to receive Inland’s Star award which was a great accomplishment. She was a generous member of Inland Foundation; the purpose of Inland Volunteers Endowment Fund is to provide perpetual resources to support healthcare through Inland Hospital and Lakewood Continuing Care Facility. She also assisted with Meals on Wheels and among other things she belonging to the Rosey Red Hatters.

Karen is survived by her husband, Sam and her son, Scott.

Those wishing to attend a farewell to Karen are invited to attend a Graveside service at 11 a.m., on Thursday, July 8, at Pine Grove Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory may be made to Northern Light Health Foundation, Inland Volunteers Endowment Fund,

P. O. Box 931,

Bangor, Maine 04402-0931