KAREN E. STIVES

STIVES, Karen E. Of Dover, MA, internationally renowned equestrian, passed away peacefully at her home in Dover, MA on August 14, 2015. Karen bravely battled cancer for more than five years. Born in Wellesley, MA, Karen was introduced to horses at an early age and developed a passion for competing in both local and national events. This passion led her to become a championship equestrian rider and was subsequently named the United State Eventing Association's "Rider of the Year" in 1981, 1987, and 1988. In 1982, she represented the United States at the Luhmuhlen World Championships, and in 1984, she anchored the United States Olympic Eventing Team that won the Team Gold Medal at the Los Angeles Olympics while also winning the Individual Silver. Karen earned numerous other awards over her long riding career, including the Leading Lady Rider title in 1981, the Mercedes-Benz Horsewoman of the Year in 1984, and the prestigious Wofford Cup. Following her retirement from international competition, Karen became an FEI judge and was the Chairman of the USET Three-Day Event Selectors committee for many years. After a successful career riding, Karen spent the next 25-years running the Barn Shoe store in West Newton, MA. Karen leaves her partner Robert Hutchinson, her sister, Linda M. McCabe of Weston, MA, her niece Jennifer Regan and her husband Mike of Wayland, MA, her nephew Mike McCabe and his wife Polly of Weston, MA and her nephew Bill McCabe and his wife Wendy of Weston, MA, as well as numerous grandnieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother, Lillian Maloney and her father, Russell Wennberg. Karen also leaves a countless number of wonderful friends. She was passionate about her relationships with her friends and they were equally supportive of her. Karen graduated from Dana Hall School in Wellesley and from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. In lieu of flowers, Karen's family requests that donations be sent in her name to Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston. Services will be private. A memorial celebration of Karen's life will be arranged at a later date. For online guestbook: gfdoherty.com.

George F. Doherty & Sons

Wellesley 781-235-4100