Karin J. Miles
Ajijic resident Karin J. Miles died peacefully in her home with her husband David by her side on March 26.
Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 1942, Karin spent most of her childhood on the shore of Lake Michigan. She was a lifelong learner, receiving her BA in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin, and many years later her masters in applied theology from Marylhurst University. Karin and David enjoyed many years of travel, focusing on receiving Buddhist teachings including living in Nepal for two years.
Karin raised three children in Portland, and her varied career included managing the Rape Victim Advocate Program in Clackamas County, the Better Business Bureau in Portland, Cloud Mountain Retreat Center in WA, and co-creating the Interfaith Spiritual Center in Portland, where she worked until retiring in 2007.
After retiring she and David moved to Mexico, settling in Ajijic in 2011, where she supported and nurtured a meditation group. “The Heart of Awareness” ensured its continuation through connection with her teacher Daeja Napier, offered spiritual counseling and lasting friendships.
Karin was known for her huge heart, dry wit, deep commitment to meditation practice, strong friendships, and making a compassionate impact with every choice in her life. She was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014, sharing her experience of the disease to benefit others (see https://youtu.be/LdXtU9UY9Vc).
Karin is predeceased by her parents, her son Greg, and brother Eric. She is survived by her husband David Yett, daughters Katie Gill (Jim), Becca Ariens and Lisa Yett, and grandchildren Logan Gill and Aliya Ariens.
On Sunday, May 8, there will be a Sukhavati practice for Karin at The Heart of Awareness, Guadalupe Victoria 101, Ajijic. This funeral ceremony, a Tibetan Buddhist tradition, will be conducted by Marty Janowitz beginning at 10:15 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
Plans are also being made for a memorial celebration of Karin’s life later this year. Those who wish to receive information about the memorial may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..