DOVER, N.H. – Karla Thibodeau Chamberlain died on Father’s Day, June 19, 2011, with her husband, Craig, at her side. Karla was born Dec. 11, 1953, in Lincoln, and grew up in Mattawamkeag. She was the oldest daughter of Merton and Pauline Thibodeau.
Karla was born a singer and started performing at age 5. She sang with Dick Curless and Buck Owens as a young girl. She sang throughout high school and in the 1970s Karla moved to the Bangor area, where she was lead vocalist with several popular bands. She toured across the U.S., London and Australia, with Noel “Paul” Stookey and Bodyworks band. A song Karla wrote with Jay Leon, “Made in the Image,” was performed with Bodyworks and the video can be viewed on YouTube. In 1980, Karla moved to Southern California and became the worship leader at Malibu Christian Fellowship. Karla found her favorite spot on Earth living in a little cottage on the beach near the church. Karla possessed an incredible sense of humor, knew the value of friendship and had a personal relationship with God. She was compassionate and generous, and always available to pray or help her friends and often strangers.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Craig Chamberlain; her mother, Pauline; her sister, Marla; her aunt and uncle, Loretta and Dick Manzo; her aunt, Juanita Hunter; and many cousins. She is also survived by more friends than can be counted. She was predeceased by her father; and her baby sister, Shari. Thank you to all who loved and laughed with Karla during this life’s journey. Thanks to those who took care of her during the transition between heaven and earth. Thank you Lord for making her pathway to heaven.
The family will hold a private celebration of Karla’s life as she wished. Contributions on Karla’s behalf may be made to Bangor Humane Society, 693B Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401.