Karin Johansen Garrison, age 91, died in her sleep at her home on the north end of Vashon in the early morning of March 18, 2010. She had several years of Alzheimer's disease but was physically able to walk around with her walker, although no longer able to care for her garden and flowers. For the past year she spent two days each week at the Community Care Center, and was very happy there.Karin was born in Riga, Latvia of German parents on April 8, 1918, the sixth of seven children. She lost her two brothers in the war. Her four sisters preceded her in deathIn 1955 she followed two of her sisters to Canada, and later moved to Seattle to work at Group Health. While there she met a patient, Gerald Garrison, whom she eventually married in 1970. They built a home at Vashon Heights, where she maintained her garden and volunteered for several years at Granny's Attic. Karin is survived by her husband of forty years, Gerald Garrison. Her stepchildren are Ann Garrison Testerman (husband Bill) of Anacortes, Ralph Garrison (wife Maureen) of Cortes Island, BC, and the late Clark Garrison (wife Lori) of Vashon. Her grandchildren Shelly, Jill, Nora, Gwen, Forrest, Melanie and Luka lovingly knew her as "Omi". She has several nieces and nephews in Canada, Germany and Australia, including grandnieces Louise and Daniela. No memorial service is planned. The family expects to get together occasionally to share pictures and stories of their life with Karin. Donations may be made in her memory to Vashon Community Care where she spent many happy hours.Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.