Karen Duquette got a surprise retirement party from line-dance friends

Karen Duquette's surprise retirement party
April 15, 2008

Line-dance friends gave Karen Duquette a surprise retirement party during a line dance class.

Karen and Lee had already sold their home in Florida and had taken a few nearby trips in their RV to make sure everything worked properly, and were soon to "hit the road" on a full-time basis. Although they would return to Florida each year for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Karen's birthday and whatever months they had to avoid driving the RV in snow. They paid for a spot in a campground all year-round even if they were not there.

Below: At a line dance, Stella Cabeca, the line dance teacher, called Karen Duquette to the front of the room. Karen had no idea why and then Stella gave her a specially decorated USA hat and a USA vest.

Karen Duquette did NOT realize that this was a special line dance event, nor that Lee Duquette was here and taking photos, until Stella pointed to him. This was really a surprise party.

Below: Then Karen Duquette was presented with several plaques.

Karen's retirement party

Below: Then Sandi Mendelow (known as "Chicken Soup Sandy") presented Karen Duquette with a special gift signed by the line dancers and officially reorganizing Karen as "The Hat Lady".

Below: Karen Duquette was also presented with a very special U.S. Navy blanket, which she will treasure forever.

Below: After some cake it was time to get to the line dancing.

Karen Duquette got wished her well on her travels by her dance friends.

Special thanks from Karen

to Sandi Mendelow for the U.S. Navy blanket. All I can say is WOW! And you remembered I had wolves in my RV so you found a card with wolves. The verbiage on the "Karen's Haute Couture" sign is amazing. I will really miss you.
to Stella Cabeca - thanks for the neat special recognition plaque and all the time and effort you put into surprising me with this thoughtful tribute. I appreciate the time you took from your dance classes to wish Lee and me well on our travels.
to Barbara Loughman - I love the collectors egg in red white and blue
to Judy - thanks for the bracelet
to Charlotte Morris - thanks for the calligraphy, and the dance belt.
to Tippi Lewis - thanks for the satay seasoning mix
to Bob - thanks for making the hats.
to Gerri and Heather - Lee really wants to thank you for the 2008 Atlas. He loves it - It will make travel plans easier and faster.
to Dottie Weiss - I will think of you when I make Margaritas, as always.
to Laura- thanks for the photos
and to everyone thanks for the decorations, food, hugs, well wishes, and for mostly just being yourself. You all have a special place in my heart. There isn't much better in life than being lucky enough to know wonderful people who are great friends!

Lee Duquette also retired in 2008 and got a party at work - What a happy face! (This is the only photo from this event - men don't take many photos at these type of events).

Karen and Lee Duquette took their grandchildren to Miami Seaquarium. They wanted to spend as much time with them as possible before starting their first RV long trip.

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Below: At a line dance, Stella Cabeca, the line dance teacher, called Karen Duquette to the front of the room. Karen had no idea why and then Stella gave her a specially decorated USA hat and a USA vest.

Karen Duquette did NOT realize that this was a special line dance event, nor that Lee Duquette was here and taking photos, until Stella pointed to him. This was really a surprise party.

Below: Then Karen Duquette was presented with several plaques.

Below: Then Sandi Mendelow (known as "Chicken Soup Sandy") presented Karen Duquette with a special gift signed by the line dancers and officially reorganizing Karen as "The Hat Lady".

Below: Karen Duquette was also presented with a very special U.S. Navy blanket, which she will treasure forever.

Below: After some cake it was time to get to the line dancing.

to Sandi Mendelow for the U.S. Navy blanket. All I can say is WOW! And you remembered I had wolves in my RV so you found a card with wolves. The verbiage on the "Karen's Haute Couture" sign is amazing. I will really miss you.

to Stella Cabeca - thanks for the neat special recognition plaque and all the time and effort you put into surprising me with this thoughtful tribute. I appreciate the time you took from your dance classes to wish Lee and me well on our travels.

to Barbara Loughman - I love the collectors egg in red white and blue

to Judy - thanks for the bracelet

to Charlotte Morris - thanks for the calligraphy, and the dance belt.

to Tippi Lewis - thanks for the satay seasoning mix

to Bob - thanks for making the hats.

to Gerri and Heather - Lee really wants to thank you for the 2008 Atlas. He loves it - It will make travel plans easier and faster.

to Dottie Weiss - I will think of you when I make Margaritas, as always.

to Laura- thanks for the photos

and to everyone thanks for the decorations, food, hugs, well wishes, and for mostly just being yourself. You all have a special place in my heart. There isn't much better in life than being lucky enough to know wonderful people who are great friends!

Karen and Lee Duquette took their grandchildren to Miami Seaquarium. They wanted to spend as much time with them as possible before starting their first RV long trip.

OR Continue navigation of this large website via the buttons below.

OR - - Click here for maps and descriptions of travel BY YEAR