What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we deeply love becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
A beloved wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, Kara Jo Smalley (Naseth) left this world unexpectedly, at 31, on November 30, 2019. Born on May 10, 1988 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Rodney and Kim Naseth (Flum). Kara grew up in Cottage Grove, MN where she attended Crestview Elementary, Cottage Grove Middle School and Park High School graduating in 2006.
Kara was a lover of music, theater, baking cookies, and spending family time with Ben and Freya. She wore her heart on her sleeve and was a strong advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, mental health rights and addiction services. Essentially if you need someone to be an advocate for you, Kara was your girl. She had the soul of an angel always fighting for those in need. You can be assured that Kara is in heaven right now making sure that all the angels are treated equally.
The best gift you can honor Kara with is the pursuit of justice and fairness for all. Live your life with the compassion embodied in Kara’s life. Let’s all make the commitment to teach Freya the values so important to Kara.
Our beloved Kara was proceeded in death by her grandparents Pat and Lloyd Flum and Uncle Stan Flum. She leaves behind her husband Ben Smalley, daughter Freya (father Chris Alden), parents Rodney Naseth (Mia), Kim Naseth (Flum); sisters Camri Naseth (Ambrose Martell), Sofia-Bella Vitale-Gill, Natasha Joy Naseth-Phillips, and Madeline Jane Naseth-Phillips; grandparents Bill & Kate Naseth, Mavis Naseth; many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.
“My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.” –Maya Angelou
A Memorial Service will be held at Peace United Church of Christ, 1503 2nd Ave NE, Rochester, MN. on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
