Empowering Individuals with Autism to Live Meaningful, Self-Directed Lives

In Memoriam

Today, we join our extended CSAAC family and the broader Maryland community in mourning the passing of The Honorable Karen S. Montgomery, an extraordinary public servant, devoted advocate, cherished board member, and dear friend to so many.

Karen dedicated her life to making Maryland a better place. Through her years of service in the Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland State Senate, she earned the respect of colleagues and constituents alike for her thoughtful leadership, unwavering integrity, and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. Whether championing education, healthcare, or opportunities for vulnerable communities, Karen led with compassion, humility, and a deep sense of purpose.

To all of us at CSAAC, however, Karen’s greatest legacy extends far beyond public office. Together with her husband, she was the loving parent of a CSAAC participant and understood firsthand the hopes, challenges, and joys experienced by families of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. That personal connection fueled a lifelong commitment to ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life.

For decades, Karen served on CSAAC’s Board of Directors, offering not only her remarkable experience and leadership, but also her heart. She celebrated our successes, helped guide us through challenges, and never lost sight of the people and families at the center of our mission. Her wisdom, kindness, and quiet determination helped shape the organization we are today.

Those who knew Karen will remember her not only for her impressive accomplishments, but for the grace with which she served others. She listened with empathy, encouraged those around her, and believed deeply in the power of community. She leaves behind a legacy of service that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

We extend our heartfelt to her family, and all whose lives were touched by Karen’s friendship, leadership, and unwavering generosity.

We are forever grateful for Karen’s remarkable life and the profound difference she made in our community. Her legacy will live on in the people she served, the families she supported, and the organization she helped strengthen.