Karen Donovan Redford

Karen Donovan Redford

Karen Redford Obituary

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Oct. 7, 2008.
REDFORD, Karen Donovan, 47, of Richmond, died at home Sunday, October 5, 2008 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Karen is survived by her children, William Heath Donovan and Jessica Woodward Donovan. She is also survived by her parents, Robert and Lynda Thomas of Winding River Plantation, N.C.; her sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Robert Ciucevich of Southlake, Texas; her nieces, Jennifer and Caitlin; her brother and sister-in-law, Blair and Susan Thomas of La Canada, Calif.; her nephews, Michael and Brady; and niece, Kate. The family wishes to thank the many healthcare professionals who cared for Karen during her illness. Karen graduated from Guilford College in 1983. She worked in Richmond in the staffing industry for 22 years. Karen was a Talent Acquisition Manager for Anthem Wellpoint, and previously she was employed in a similar position with McGuire Woods. Karen was a member of Christ Church Episcopal, a devoted mother, an active soccer mom with Richmond Strikers, and a member and player on Raintree Swim & Tennis Club teams. The family and friends will always cherish the memory of her wonderful smile and joyful laughter. A Celebration of the Life of Karen will be held on Saturday, October 11, at 12 noon at Christ Church Episcopal, 5000 Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen, Va. 23059. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Contributions may be made to Christ Church Episcopal in memory of Karen Donovan Redford. Arrangements by the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 West Broad St.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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October 2, 2009

Ann Odehnal posted to the memorial.

September 30, 2009

Connie Patty posted to the memorial.

July 20, 2009

Charlotte Henson posted to the memorial.

Ann Odehnal

October 2, 2009

Karen is still on my mind frequently. I saw a movie a few weeks ago and the character had an enormous laugh and a grateful attitude. She engaged the entire room with an embracing swirl of her hands. It felt familiar to me. Suddenly, I realized it was Karen I was remembering. What a lovely memory it was. I still miss her.

Connie Patty

September 30, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with Karen at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I cannot tell you how much she touched our lives here. Karen was the strongest person that I have ever met. She was full of life and her laugh was intoxicating. I can still close my eyes and hear her laugh in her office. She is so dearly missed here. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Karen will forever be in our hearts and minds here at Anthem.

Charlotte Henson

July 20, 2009

Will and Jess,
There are no words that can really express how much your mom meant to me. She was one of the strongest people I have ever know and always always made time to listen to me no matter what I was going through. I had the pleasure of her being my boss, mentor and friend for over 12 years. I remember just sitting and laughing with her about just stuff. She use to always say you Silly Goose, and now both of my boys say it. My prayer for you and the rest of the family is that you remember her at her best and know that she is always watching over you. I for one will really miss her and am missing her everyday! May God smile upon the both of you and know you will always be in my thoughts!

Christine Solet

November 3, 2008

Karen was my boss and my friend and I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to know her. Karen inspired me in so many ways; not only by demonstrating grace in the face of adversity and by enjoying all of the good days to the fullest, but by just being Karen. I still hear her laughter. I will never forget her.

Jill Cichowicz

October 17, 2008

Will & Jess- Your mother touched the lives of some many and I feel honored to say that she was my friend. I am so glad that your family came into my life and I will miss your mother dearly. Please know that I am here always:)

Margaret Signorelli

October 13, 2008

I am heartbroken to hear of Karen's passing. We were tennis partners at Raintree. She was so much fun and fun-loving and such a kind person.

She faced her cancer with such courage, grace and strength. She will be greatly missed.

Bonnie Knighton

October 10, 2008

Will & Jessie:
We will all truly miss your mom, but I will always remember her laughter, and positive outlook she had for everything in life. She was a remarkable woman with such strength and courage. She was loved by so many, and will always be remembered. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and keep you safe, each and every day.

Erik Helland

October 10, 2008

Will and Jessie
Lori, Chase and Marcus and I are very sad about your loss. Your mother was very strong and courageous throughout her battle with cancer. I know it will be very tough for you. Please know that your mother is very proud of both of you and remember that you we love you both and will be there if you need anything. Give each other hugs and hold each other tight be there for each other.

Love and sympathy
Uncle E!

Karen Lindsey

October 9, 2008

Jessie & Will,
Your mother will live forever in your heart and will be making sure you are loved and taken care of. Make your memories of her stay with you forever as a mother's love never dies. You are blessed with so many friends and family; they are there for you and never forget that. We are here for you as your friends. I pray for you and know that the Lindsey family is here for you also. God Bless you both. Much Love, Karen, Cary, Coleson & Isabella

Michele Stephens

October 9, 2008

I had the pleasure of working with Karen at McGuireWoods. She was a fantastic person and I'm very glad to have known her. She's one of very few people I know that always had such a positive outlook.

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan Kelly

October 9, 2008

I had the pleasure of being on several of the same tennis teams with Karen. A couple of teams ended up as "travel teams" - going to Las Vegas, New York City and Newport News. She loved her tennis! Karen would play whenever she could squeeze it into her schedule. Jessica would often come with Karen, and I would bring my daughter Alyson so the two girls could hang out.

Karen was always so positive. Even when she was sick. There are so many things I remember about Karen, but what I will remember the most was her laugh. Oh - that wonderful laugh!!

Kareemah DePriest

October 9, 2008

I'm glad to have had the opportunity to work with Karen at McGuireWoods. I send my thoughts and prayers out to her family at this time. May God give you strength and comfort.

Rena Stainback

October 9, 2008

I worked with Karen for a very short time at Mcguirewoods. She was a wonderful person. Please except my deepest sympathy to your family.

Rachael Redford

October 8, 2008

Karen was an amazing woman who touched the lives of so many people. I will always cherish the great memories I have of her including birthdays complete with party hats, singing Jimmy Buffet songs, the five pound bag of hamburger pickles, and her famous chili cheese dip. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Michelle Philbates

October 8, 2008

I worked with Karen at McGuireWoods. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Paulette Brown

October 8, 2008

Karen is remembered so fondly by many of us here at McGuireWoods. My prayers and deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Jim Redford

October 8, 2008

'Life is not about waiting for the sun to shine, it is about learning to dance in the rain!' Thank you sweetheart.

Lawrence Ray

October 8, 2008

My deepest sympathty to those close to Karen. It really hurts to see someone go through what she has.

Peace be with you!

Winnie Ray

October 8, 2008

Special thanks to the entire family for sharing Karen with me in those brief, but special, phone calls I was fortunate to share with her. Her contagious laughter and her ability to remain positive will be with me forever. May God bless all of you.

Carli Oliff

October 7, 2008

Will and Jessie-
Both of you and your family are in my prayers and I am here for both of you whenever you need me! Your mom was an amazing woman who always brought a smile to my face whenever I saw her. She will truly be missed! I love both of you and will be thinking of you.

Linda Harrell

October 7, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Brianne Whitescarver

October 7, 2008

Will and Jessie,
Your mother was such a sweet woman and I am very happy I knew her. She raised two wonderful children. All of your friends are here for you whenever you need us.
I love you both.

Sarah Mullins

October 7, 2008

Karen always brought a smile to my face every time I saw her. She was such a happy person and always there to listen if I needed someone to talk to. I learned many things from her, most of all her optimisic way of looking at the world and her strength, and I will carry those things with me forever. She will be greatly missed, until we meet her again one day when she will no doubt have big hugs and laughter waiting.

Tritoe

October 7, 2008

May your memories bring you comfort. Much love, Tritoe

Chris Tickle

October 7, 2008

William and Jessie,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of your mother. I know that she had been ill for some time, but I also know from first hand experience that it is still a difficult time for those left behind. Please know that I am holding you both in my heart and in my prayers.

Ann Odehnal

October 7, 2008

People come into one's life for a reason. I am lucky to have known Karen.

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October 2, 2009

Ann Odehnal posted to the memorial.

September 30, 2009

Connie Patty posted to the memorial.

July 20, 2009

Charlotte Henson posted to the memorial.