Karen Hara, 80, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered eternal rest Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Trident Medical Center in N Charleston.

Karen was born July 26, 1944, in Sullivan, Missouri, daughter of the late John and Mary (Dawson) Petersen. Karen worked in the medical field for over 30 years in San Diego, CA and Northern Virginia. As the daughter of an Army officer, she traveled the world and spent a lot of her childhood in Japan, a country she adored, and she spent a good portion of her adult life living and teaching there. She also had a big heart for animals and always had dogs and cats by her side, as well as the occasional exotic bird.

She is survived by her son, Brad Ammon and wife, Tina, and granddaughter Jessica, all of Johns Island, SC; brother Kim Petersen and wife (Sharon) of Virginia; and multiple nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents, and by her beloved sister Linda Stults and brother Tom Petersen.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Northwoods Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Karen’s name to the Charleston Animal Society at https://charlestonanimalsociety.org/make-a-gift-in-honor-or-memory-of-a-loved-one/

The family will be holding a celebration of life in Virginia at a future date/location to be announced.