Karen R. Wildwood

Karen R. Wildwood
April 9, 1960 - Aug. 8, 2010
SACO -- Karen R. Wildwood, teacher, healer, poet, dancer, and warrior princess extraordinaire completed her emergence from the cocoon of earthly life on Aug. 8, 2010. In the final days of her six year dance with cancer, many people who Karen had touched in her life returned to spend precious time with her and her family, in a comforting affirmation of a life well lived. Karen's deep connection to the reality of what really matters in life shone clearly through her words and deeds, as well as in her crystal clear eyes and radiant face. Her openness and generosity of spirit, even in the face of life's most difficult challenges, touched all who came in contact with her.
Karen was born in Worcester, Mass., on April 9, 1960. She attended Amenia, N.Y., Pownal and Yarmouth Elementary Schools, Rockland High School, and was a 1978 graduate of Deering High. Karen graduated Magna cum Laude from Ithaca College in 1982.
She married Christian W. Kuhlthau on June 13, 1982. Subsequently, she married her second husband, Mark S. Dunton, on May 2, 1992. Mark and Karen had two children together, Samuel A. Dunton and Alice M. 'Allie' Dunton, who were the light of Karen's life.
Over the years, Karen displayed many diverse talents. She was very active in the arts, starting with several lead roles in high school musicals and then earning her college degree in theater production. She worked at The Saint Lawrence Arts Center and for Good Theater. A skilled seamstress, she designed and crafted many costumes for Thornton Academy drama productions. Karen loved to dance and was a glowing presence in the Portland dance community and at the annual Dance New England summer camp. She also trained as a breathworker, went on vision quests, worked in the Biddeford school system, wrote poetry, and offered macrobiotic cooking classes.
Surviving family members include her two children, Sam and Allie; former husband Mark of Saco; parents, Art and Nancy Rudman of Standish; brother, Carl Rudman and his wife Sandy of Portland, sister, Pam Carpenter and her partner Brian Ward of Parsonsfield, brother, William Rudman and his wife Pam of Biddeford; nephews, Sean Rudman and wife Liza of Portland, Ryan, Eric and Josh Rudman of Biddeford, Corey Coffin and wife Heather of Bangor, nieces, Kelly Rudman of Brooklyn, N.Y., Jessica Coffin of Portland, and Stevie Ward of Parsonsfield; and a large number of much loved aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family.
A celebration of Karen's life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 1 p.m., at 4 Maple Ridge Rd., in Standish. At Karen and Allie's request, attire is casual with bright colors (not formal or black). FMI, you may contact Carl at 207-399-3707 or Pam at 207-239-1992. To offer words of condolence, sign a guest book and share memories, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland.
In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up to help provide for Karen's children; donations payable
to 'Pamela Carpenter ITF
Samuel and Alice Dunton.'
By mail: Care of Pam Carpenter
P.O. Box 486
Parsonsfield, Maine 04047
or in person at any
People's Bank branch.
Karen R. Wildwood