Karen Janssen Buford

June 17, 2020

Karen Janssen Buford, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, friend, and teacher, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 in the loving company of her husband of forty-six years, Frank T. Buford, Jr., and two sons Turner (Allison) and Willie (Kathryn). A New Orleans native, Karen was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Sander Janssen (Dorothy). She is survived by her two granddaughters Avery and Elizabeth Buford, her sister Jane LeBlanc (Dwight Jr.), her brother George Janssen (Elena), her cousin Elizabeth Peltier (James Sr.), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, and great nephews. Karen graduated from Metairie Park Country Day School in 1962 and Newcomb College with a B.A. in French in 1966. She lived and studied in France for two years, during which she traveled extensively throughout Europe, made many lifelong friends, and collected a treasure chest of memories that she always cherished. She later worked for Tulane University's Language Lab; the Royal Sonesta hotel; and the French Consulate in New Orleans. She found her true calling at the St. Andrew's Episcopal School After-Care Program, teaching pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students for twenty years prior to retiring in 2007. Karen loved to cook, knit, and travel - especially to visit friends and family. She was also a voracious reader with a well worn library card, a particular fondness for mystery stories, and an uncanny ability to find and share the best of children’s literature. Her passion for the written word lives on through her children, grandchildren, and students. Karen requested a private Graveside Service to be held on a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the United Nations Children's Fund (https://secure.unicefusa.org), an organization she helped support by coordinating many donation drives during her time at St. Andrew’s. Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Covington, LA. Condolences and tributes can be posted at www.serenitycovington.com