Karen Ruth Brinker, age 44, of Atlanta, GA passed away peacefully on June 7, 2010. She is survived by her loving parents, Tom and Nancy Brinker; brother, Brett Brinker, M.D.; sister-in-law, Heather Slay, M.D.; nephews, Matthew, Ryan, and Ethan Brinker, all of Grand Rapids, MI; favorite uncle, Keith Nylund, Redondo Beach, CA; many aunts, uncles, cousins; two dogs, Hans and Otto; and many cats. She will be missed dearly by her friends, Debbie, Monica, and special friend, James. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Karen’s countless friends from all over the USA who have paid respects to her memory on the facebook page, "In Loving Memory of Karen Brinker". Karen was previously employed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City before relocating to Atlanta where she worked in finance at Citigroup. Karen gave much of herself to animal welfare and rescue groups. She founded "Aiding and A-Petting" a "no-kill' rescue organization dedicated to homeless dogs and cats in Georgia. Through her tireless work, she saved hundreds of animals by placing them into caring homes. Karen appeared many times on the television program, "Atlanta & Company" with Holly Firfer, promoting “Aiding and A-petting”. Donations in her memory can be made to the animal rescue organization, "Our Pal's Place" at ourpalsplace.org. Memorial donations can also be made by sending an E-mail to inmemoryofkaren@yahoo.com; and you will receive a response on how to place a donation that will go to place a memorial park bench and dogwood tree in Karen's name at her favorite dog-walking park, Lake Court Park in Smyrna, GA. Friends, family, and pets can gather for a celebration of Karen's life on Thursday, July 1st at 6:30 pm at Lake Court Park. Her body was cremated. Tributes can also be sent to the website of A. S. Turner & Sons, www. asturner.com.
