A Fond Farewell to Our Friend Karyn O’Bryan

Those we love, don’t go away,
they walk beside us, every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always here,
still loved, still missed, still very dear.

Sjoerd, Shirin & Stijn – The Netherlands

Karyn O’Bryan was special. Someone told me they had known Karyn only a short time but it seemed like they had been friends for many years. I understood what she meant because the first time I met Karyn she made me feel so at ease that it was like talking to a long lost friend, even though I knew nothing about her at the time.

I judge a person more by what I see than what I hear. What I saw in Karyn was a person who exuded charm and charisma whether she was in a social setting with many people, or just talking with you one on one. She had a great sense of humor and was just fun to hang out with. In Quepos we are a family and Karyn was an important part of that family and I as well as everyone in this town who knew her feel a deep loss. She was usually my teammate when we played trivia on Thursday nights and I will probably think of her every time I play in the future.

It is a shame but it seems like the good ones are always the first to go and Karyn O’Bryan was truly one of the good ones. I will miss you mi amiga. Charles Stark – Quepos

Karyn was one of those people who made a person realize that friendship isn’t about age or where you’re from and that happiness is all about being young at heart. She was always there for those who needed her, even halfway across the world. Karyn I will miss your friendship, your “Joie de vivre” and your kindness, the good talks we had and the many great meals we shared. Thank you for the warm memories and for being who you were. Coming to Costa Rica will never be the same… You will not be forgotten. Sjoerd Biesmans – The Netherlands

It is Saturday morning and I woke to read that a most beautiful and true “lady” had passed in the night. I met Karyn O’Bryan through my friend Wavy Dave one night years ago in Quepos, Costa Rica. While we here have lost a very special lady, heaven has gained a gorgeous angel. Feeling sad would be an understatement…feeling down. Buck Creighton – South Carolina

RIP, Karyn O’Bryan. I am honored and privileged to call you my friend. You are one of a kind and will truly be missed. Debbie LaRue-French – Texas

My heart goes out to Karyn’s daughter Jessica and the rest of her family . I worked with Karyn in New Orleans for over 20 years and came to know her as trusted and skilled professional as well as a good friend. My wife and I hoped to see her again upon her next visit to the states. We stayed in her condo at Quepos and enjoyed her hospitality there. She made a great decision retiring when she did. At least she had some post career years in a beautiful area of Costa Rica. But I am having a hard time believing she has left us. She was clearly enjoying life in paradise and I am so saddened that her time was cut short so suddenly. S. Kerr Smith – New Orleans, LA

My heart says I need to be somewhere else. I can’t sleep, my mind drifts of. Although we are halfway across the world, wherever you are you will always be in our hearts. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Shirin Jager – Leersum, Netherlands

Gone too soon!! Just heard of your passing Karyn O’Bryan and I am very sad for all those who love you which is EVERYONE who ever met you!! Thank you for taking over the Ladies Group & making it the better than it ever was. I know Quepos is saddened by the loss of this lovely lady. Missy Than Anderson – Florida

My Costa Rican family bids farewell to an amazing woman Karyn O’Bryan. My heart is sad but I think of what an amazing woman, mother and friend you have been to so many! RIP my dear friend. Besos. Kristie Dickinson – Canada

**A haiku for Karen.** (insert a slow mardi gras beat beatnik style)
You will be missed here
your laugh, jokes, making me choke
your cold screwdriver. Jeff Ralston – Quepos/Manuel Antonio

There is a big hole in the heart of this community today..we will miss the great smile and warm heart of our dear friend Karyn…if you knew her you loved her – just a wonderful friend and person-always full of fun—-gone to soon……….you will be missed..my thoughts are with your family and all that love you. Pat Cheek

Q en paz descanses mi bella amiga!!!! R.I.P. Fabiana.Granados – Costa Rica

Praying for my nieces Jessica Roach and Shelly Shelly Gilardi Oldner, my husband Shawn McWaters , brother-in-law Marcus and mother-in-law Katheryn – their Mom, sister and daughter. Karyn O’Bryan suddenly passed away late last night. My heart goes out to all of them. Annette McWaters – Louisiana

Aun no puedo creer, Karyn O’Bryan fuiste mas que una amiga para mi y mi hija Cathalina tenemos muy lindos recuerdos que siempre llevare en mi corazón, como puede ser que personas como tu dejen de existir… se me rompe el corazón de recibir esta noticia!!! Te vas de aquí pero los recuerdos quedan… Siento por la familia el dolor que estan pasando y por los amigos que te amabamos aquí en Costarrica!! Mariela Piedra – Costa Rica

I have lost a great friend today and will miss Karyn O’Bryan so much. Her smile and energy was always a dsy brightener. She got to meet so many of my hotel guests and they all loved her! Smile down on me from time to time; beautiful angel! Michael Auvil – Manuel Antonio

Just heard the sad news from Costa Rica that my good friend, Karyn O’Bryan passed away this morning. She is loved and will be missed by so many of us…I’m still in shock, tearful and with a heavy heart… such a warm, caring person with so much to offer, taken from us way too soon. Ana Lyons – Costa Rica

Karyn, my wife and I only knew you for the short time we were on vacation, but you had a lasting impact. You welcomed us with open arms and truly made that trip special. Our condolences go out to those you left behind. You will be dearly missed. Tommy Gwynn

I love you sister, will miss you greatly. Shawn McWaters – Louisiana

A part of me has died today. My very best friend of 46 years passed away last night in Costa Rica. Facebook friends please pray for her family especially her daughter Jessica. Isabella Westfall – New Orleans, LA

Truly you were loved worldwide my friend, and your passing has left a whole in our hearts as well as this community. We will miss you dearly. Karyn is survived by her mom Katheryn, daughters Jessica Roach & Shelly Gilardi Oldner, brothers Shawn & Marcus McWaters, sister-in-law Annette, nephews Marcus Alan & Brandon, father Marcus McWaters Jr passed in 2007, and dear friend Martijn. I will miss you chica, and your laughter. Pat