Hello Friends,

This letter is being written by your old friend, Evelyn. I regret to say that at the present time, Rosina is in the hospital at the bedside of her critically ill husband, John.

The Carpenter family and their staff send their sincere thanks to you for the numerous cards and letters sent at the time of Karen's passing. We thank you for the Masses said for Karen and for the contributions you made to various charitable organizations in her memory. We thank you for the beautiful floral arrangements you sent and are still sending to her crypt in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cypress. We sincerely appreciate the contributions you have made to the Karen A. Carpenter Memorial Foundation which will benefit both talented musicians and anorexia nervosa research.

On a brighter side, Richard sends word that the new Carpenters album will be released in Sept. Watch for VOICE OF THE HEART at your local music stores. Richard has spent the previous three months completing the album which was in progress at the time of Karen's passing. A new single will be released this summer.

Karen's childhood friends in New Haven, Connecticut held a beautiful Memorial Service at the Marquand Chapel at Yale University. She was eulogized by Frank Bonito and Debra Vaiuso Cuticello. The following excerpts are from the eulogy voiced by Debra.

"There was a time when I thought I'd never see my best friend ever again! California was just too far away. I remember that day vividly. Harold, Agnes, Richard and Karen all packed and California bound. They drove away. We never got a chance to ask each other what we'd like to be when we grew up.

" Our families grew up close together, our parents seemed to enjoy the hard work American ethic and shared the same values. Richard was 2 years older than my brother, Joey and Karen was 2 years older than me. Our ages made family outings fun. Hall Street was a great neighborhood to grow up in. All middle class, industrious and proud. There were some great times - birthday parties, Christmas gatherings and sibling rivalry. This was all part of the growing up process... a lot of fun to remember.

"The Carpenters would send us pictures and keep us up to date on their music progress; local newsclips, letters, phone calls and cassette tapes all kept the line of communication open. Karen and Richard always found their way home here in the East.

"I remember one Saturday night during my high school years, Karen and Richard sprang a surprise visit while on business in New York. We spent the weekend together. They always knew they were welcome. They always felt comfortable here. It was just like home.

"Some time later the Carpenter family visited New Haven shortly before the release of their new album. They autographed their first copy and gave-it to my parents. We kept in touch exchanging birthday cards, Christmas cards and greetings... I'll never forget the time I forgot to send my birthday card (to Karen) on time, she called me to ask me where her card was!

"It meant alot to her to keep up these private traditions. Frank and I had the opportunity to visit California at the invitation of the Carpenters. They wined and dined us, sparing no expense, giving us a first class California tour. This was my first time away from home, and yet I felt comfortable in their stately and spacious home.

" In 1973 my parents visited California at the request of the Carpenter family and had a chance to sample what the California fun life was all about. They loved to talk about the great times they had raising their children.

"In 1979 Karen called me asking if she could spend the weekend. She was recording a solo album in New York and wanted a chance to get away and enjoy some good Italian home cooked meals. I remember the big limo driving down my driveway and I wondered what her thoughts would be about the quiet little town of Guilford. She loved the quiet and comfort. From then on KC visited us monthly - a home away from home.

" In February 1980 my husband and I visited California again. In the back of my mind I knew that she admired my marriage. I secretly wished that someday soon she would find a husband to share her life with too. Magically, during a surprise mid-week phone call, KC, sounding excited, said "Deb, guess what? I'm getting married and I want you to be a bridesmaid." It was like an invitation to Cinderella's ball; a fantasy come to life. It was an honor to be a member of her bridal party; and quite exciting to be socializing with all the Hollywood Stars.

"The next surprise phone call from KC was the morning I had given birth to my son, Jamie. I had just been placed in my hospital room when the phone rang. We often had ESP episodes. The Carpenter family visited my new family nine weeks later, specifically to visit my new born son. He was so special to KC - since the beginning of my pregnancy. She never forgot to send Jamie a card or gifts on special occasions. For his first birthday, she designed his name in a clown design in needlepoint, to match his room - truly a gift of love. The time and talent was endless, giving and wanting nothing in return but an exchange of warm and genuine friendship.

"We continued our weekly phone calls. The came to visit us in Cuilford again in January. On January 25th, while watching the Olivia Newton-John Special on HBO, I called KC to tell her how much I enjoyed it. She sounded so great, full of energy, vigor and excitement. She seemed to (have) pulled herself together and (was) ready to start a new lease on life. I asked her for some new photographs. We exchanged hugs and kisses. I received those photos on Saturday, February 5th, the day after her death.

"KC wherever you are, you are at peace. Sleep in the warmth of God's presence as I remember the warmth of your friendship."

Debra Vaiuso, this is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady.

The eulogy spoken by Frank Bonito will be printed in the next newsletter. Evelyn.

Last changed: Wed Sep 7 16:40:33 EDT 2005