Karen (Moriarty) Born

Karen Moriarty Born, 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025. She was born in Kasson, MN, raised in Houston, Caledonia, and Anoka, landing in Aitkin for her high school years, her journey through Minnesota towns shaping the person she became. Aitkin would prove to be Karen’s place, she returned there for her retirement years, happily surrounded by family and lifelong friends.

Karen married John Born in 1967 (and 1998 . . . if you know, you know). They settled in Wayzata, where they raised their three children: Katy, Stephen, and David. Karen spent her career as a legal secretary and paralegal, primarily at Hauer, Lewis & Fargione where they balanced work with a healthy dose of spirited office antics.

Karen was an avid reader, a Scrabble menace (especially to her brothers Dan and Tim) a master of word games and a badge holding member of the grammar police. She loved old movies, gardening, and staying up late. Nothing made Karen prouder than watching her grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, and drama performances.

Karen was an active member of the Aitkin community. She sang in the St. James choir, volunteered at the library and joined the local puppeteering club. She and John were strong supporters of the Aitkin Legion where they served burgers every Tuesday, and Karen became something of a local legend as the meat raffle’s star caller.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruby Moriarty; husband, John; sister, Mary Ellen; brothers-in-law, Verne Butler, Jr. and Robert Born, and beloved cousin, Stephen Moriarty.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Katy; sons Stephen and David (Jennifer); grandchildren Jacob, Allison and Ruby; Jacob and Allison’s mother, Stephanie; siblings Elizabeth, Denny (Lisa), Dan, and Tim (Jan); many adored nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of friends, notably her cherished best friend, Joanne.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church in Aitkin. Visitation one hour prior. A luncheon and sharing of memories will follow at Aitkin Legion Post #86.

One of Karen’s favorite songs was “What a Swell Party This Is” from the classic movie High Society. As we celebrate the life she lived so fully, it feels like a swell party indeed.  To sign the guestbook, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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