Karla McCann

Karla Marie McCann, 50, of Lewiston, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. She was taken suddenly after suffering a brain aneurysm.

She was born April 11, 1966, in Clarkston, to Joseph D. and Nadine McCann. Her early childhood was spent on their family farm just outside of Lewiston. She attended Tammany school until the family moved back to town in 1978. She then attended Lewiston High School and graduated in 1984.

In 1990, she married Eric Asplund in Lewiston. That marriage later ended in divorce.

She went to work for Lewis-Clark State College in 1987, working her way from the library to eventually becoming the webmaster. She was self-taught and quickly learned the ins and outs of the internet and designing websites.

She had the opportunity to pass that knowledge on to several students whom she quickly considered friends. She was a gifted mentor and enjoyed teaching others. After more than 20 years, she took her computer knowledge to the Lewiston Tribune, where she worked as the webmaster until she decided to try her hand at sales. Sales and marketing ended up being a job she quickly became passionate about and really enjoyed. She built many friendships with clients and fellow sales representatives.

Karla enjoyed unwinding at the family cabin in Soldier's Meadow, where she spent her time hunting for mushrooms, having bonfires and playing fetch with her loyal poodle. She loved being outdoors and would always choose a seat in the sun, even if it meant getting a sunburn.

Every spring brought the opportunity to get her hands dirty doing what she loved: gardening and planting flowers. She was incredibly creative and enjoyed cross-stitching and crafting. She was an amazing cook, and her specialty was grilling steaks topped with Gorgonzola cheese and balsamic vinegar.

Karla was a fierce friend and never passed up an opportunity to make memories. She was a very dedicated mother and she lit up at the mention of us. We were the light of her life, and she made sure everyone knew that.

Anyone who met our mom knows that she had a way of making everybody feel like a somebody. She had an infectious smile that will be so missed and a bright spirit that she was always eager to share. She was an independent and hardworking single mother. Her hugs were always genuine and never obligatory. She had a loving and generous heart and would always find a way to help.

She was witty and free-spirited, and wasn't afraid to be herself. She made a point of making every interaction a memorable experience for all involved. She gave real advice and never passed judgment. Her presence alone could solve problems that were seemingly irresolvable. She lived and loved intentionally and wholeheartedly. She was our person, our home.

Karla is survived by her three daughters, Tayler, Morgan and Madison Asplund of Lewiston; her sister, Kim McCann of Lewiston; her brother, Kurt McCann of Princeton; and their children; along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph D. McCann and Nadine McCann.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home in Lewiston. Following the service, there will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life at Lindsay Creek Vineyards, 3107 Powers Ave., in Lewiston.

Contributions can be made in her name to The Willow Center or the charity of your choice.