Karen Ann Harsham

I am sad to announce the passing of Karen Ann Harsham on February 8, 2026. She is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Nellie (Tolliver) Harsham, and her brother and sister-in-law Ted and Jesse. She is survived by her cousin Dee Harsham and her nephew Brett (Brenda) Harsham. Karen was born in 1942 in Portsmouth, Ohio, but during her early life her family moved often for her father's work. She attended 8 different schools growing up, which made it hard to maintain friendships; although, when they lived in Conn, she made a good friend with whom she remained close for the rest of her life. The family came to Cincinnati when she was in high school where she attended West High but when her dad once again had to move for work she was tired of changing schools so she stayed in Cincinnati with her aunt and uncle to she could finish her education. She then attended the University of Cincinnati to become a teacher. She worked for Cinti Public Schools her entire career, starting in North Avondale and finishing at Parham Elementary where she'd frequently ride her motorcycle to school. In addition to riding motorcycles, she enjoyed skydiving, yoga and belly dancing. She taught for 32 years and retired in 1996. In 1998 Karen began volunteering as an educator with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. She had a soft spot for the elephants and gorillas but her all time favorite was Chumley, the camel. For several years she dressed as Mrs. Claus to join her friend Santa Tom when he'd visit families at Christmas time. She lived with her partner, Marshall Goodman for most of her final years, but she gradually developed dementia and when he passed away in 2025 she moved to Serene Suites Memory Care, in Blue Ash, Ohio, where she spent her last year. She passed away quietly in the early morning hours of February 8. Remaining a teacher to the end she donated her body to the University of Cincinnati Medical School. She will be missed. A memorial service/celebration of life will be held in the chapel at Hospice of Cincinnati on Cooper Road in Blue Ash on Saturday, April 4, at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Cincinnati or to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.