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Karen Owen Obituary
Karen Theresa Herman was born in Walnut Creek, CA, 3/3/54 to Charles and Dorothy Herman. She was an incredible daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend and grandmother. Her love and service to family, friends, the communities she lived in, and the military are evidence of the depth of her huge heart. Karen, along with her devoted husband, Michael Owen, and her son, Ryan Pifer, and his incredible family, mastered the love of family and made marvelous memories travelling, gardening, having picnics, cackling, and supporting one another in whatever way was needed. Her devotion to her grandchildren was beyond compare. A life well lived, or "good on you," as she would say. Karen passed peacefully on 8/12/24, but her life and love will continue as a proud donor. She will be deeply missed.
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Stacy Pifer
March 3, 2025
Happy Heavenly Birthday Karen...you are missed by so many.
Maureen Wesley
October 16, 2024
Karen Owen was one of the kindest, most supportive, fun loving and fun giving people I've had the good fortune to meet. She and Mike lived across the hall from my Dad and me during their temporary residence in Burke, VA. What luck for us! During Covid we would sometimes tranform the space between our apartments into the "Breezeway Bar," each twosome providing their own martini of choice and munchies. And what conviviality! After they moved on to Utah, and both bucked up to Mike's failing health, Karen and i would continue our deepening friendship by catch-up phone calls that always made my day. She encouraged me to visit her in her and Mike's specially chosen forever home and we also made initial plans to untertake one of her much enjoyed road trips. I've just returned from 4 months out of the country and when i couldn't reach Karen by phone today, i learned of her passing. Of course my first thought was "now she and her beloved Mike are together again." Then I thought of Ryan and her so loved grandchildren. What a loss! But also I, selfishly, felt sadness for myself who was blithely unaware our phone call in June would be our final one. A solace: Her life was such a blessing for us all.
Maureen Wesley
October 16, 2024
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Stacy Pifer
October 13, 2024
So terribly saddened by Karen's passing. It's hard to encapsulate all of my memories of Karen dating back to my early childhood.
It goes without saying she always brought fun and levity to situations.
Countless hours rocking out to early Billy Joel, Elton John and 70´s classics.
Afternoon hands of cards which always included chips and dip-- and making me earn my wins.
Batches of homemade applesauce and a delicious cherry cheesecake.
The overarching theme was lots of laughter, much of which occurred during houseboat and camping shenanigans.
Her love of Tahoe, the outdoors and how much she looked forward to the annual Yosemite trip.
Just a few of the many memories and I´m very grateful for her love and support.
I vividly recall when Ryan was born as he was the immediate and everlasting apple of her eye.
Many years later the amount of pride and joy being a Grandmother brought her further demonstrated that.
Karen´s devotion to and love for her grandchildren was unsurpassed.
It breaks my heart she is no longer here and I´m truly grateful to have been a part of her life.
My deepest condolences to my brother, niece and nephews, Valerie and Teresa- love to you all.
Bill & Barbara Prosch
September 24, 2024
Bill & I are so sad to hear of Karen´s passing. Karen was such a true giving & loving person. Mike was her soulmate & her family was her heart. We will miss Karen. Our love goes out to Ryan & his family.
Alisanne Maffei
September 20, 2024
I loved Karen´s smile. She reached out to others easily with so much care. Sending love to her family.
Kathy Robbins
September 17, 2024
Dear Ryan and Family,
Still stunned to hear of Karens passing. We have been friends since high school and were fortunate to stay on touch over the years. We spent time in Lake Tahoe and more recently in DC and a visit from her in Lake Havasu Arizona last spring 2023. I enjoyed catching up with her of all of the news about the grandchildren and of course the move to Utah so she could be close to her family. Karen was a very caring and sincere friend, and she loved passionately. I will miss her sense of humor, but I am happy that she is reunited with Michael the love of her life. Blessings to the family during this very difficult time.
Teresa
August 30, 2024
Heart felt gratefulness to the incredible professional organization's that worked so hard to bring Karen to peace. We are forever thankful for your compassion and kindness at such a hard time.
Intermountain Life Flight team, administrators and crew.
Britany, Patricia, Brook, Rebekkah, Hal, Jared, Rich.
Karen´s forever loving wish to keep giving as a donor.
Utah Donor Registry handled by Intermountain Health.
Their dignified professionalism and empathy brought us peace, and life for others.
Thank you each and everyone!
Penny Lopez
August 28, 2024
Penny Lopez
August 28, 2024
Penny Lopez
August 28, 2024
Penny Lopez
August 28, 2024
I first met Karen and Mike in 2004, after the death of my husband and my reluctant inheritance of a vineyard. They took care of my CPA needs until Mike´s retirement, and over the years the three of us forged a beautiful friendship! Even after they left California, Karen and I stayed in constant touch. They invited me for Thanksgiving in 2017, shortly before they were leaving on their first long trip to Germany. I have included a picture, so please notice the apron that she´s wearing! After they returned, and before they left permanently, we got together in old sac for a great lunch at Fat City restaurant, ironically, very shortly before they closed their doors. Then she returned for a visit, and just for old times sake, we had lunch at Fat´s in Folsom.
I know how very much Karen loved her family! She talked about them all the time, and I feel as if I know them, even though I have never met any of them!
My deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Karen! I am profoundly saddened by her passing, but she will live forever in my heart!
Penny
Teresa
August 24, 2024
Teresa
August 24, 2024
Teresa
August 24, 2024
Teresa
August 24, 2024
Teresa
August 24, 2024
Teresa
August 22, 2024
Teresa
August 22, 2024
Teresa
August 22, 2024
Teresa
August 22, 2024
Teresa
August 21, 2024
Teresa
August 21, 2024
Teresa
August 21, 2024
Teresa
August 21, 2024
Teresa
August 21, 2024
Valerie Herman
August 20, 2024
My sister Karen entered my life when I was five years old and our sister Diana was seven. As we traveled through childhood Karen became our shadow following us as "little" sisters often do. She was always mischievous with non- stop giggles and a sparkle in her eyes. Such a cutie that could melt your heart. Teaching Karen to ride a bike, swim, create forts, bake cookies, hike and appreciate nature, plant flowers and veggies, etc., gave me some of my most joyous and fondest childhood memories. She was so funny as we grew older that during my High School years she would give me that look with a twinkle in her eye and plead to take her on my dates with me and she often won out, always adding more fun.
Through the years growing up our parents took us on many adventures and travels throughout the country. Our most special and favorite memories were those of the family camping at Lake Tahoe. As we began growing up those memories led us to spend many wonderful times as adults at Lake Tahoe making new and lasting memories. Always with Karen's laughter on our endless picnics, wine tasting excursions, cook outs, shared meals at our homes and other venues. We shared so much and were so close. One of my most heartwarming and cherished memories is the day Karen (and her first husband) bestowed upon me their wishes and the great honor of being both Godmother and legal Guardian to their son, Ryan, should any tragedy befall them.
When I think of Karen today, I see her and Mike excited to be on one of their many travels here and abroad and lovingly creating and tending their gardens. I see Karen in her proudest role as Mother and Grandmother. Karen was a fierce and loving protective parent and grandparent. Always supportive! Always vigilant! Always teaching! Always sharing! Always providing uncompromising and unconditional love to "her kids."
Karens beloved husband, Michael, (her "Mikey") was without question her soulmate and the love of her life as she was his. Their devotion and unfailing unconditional love for one another was an inspiration to all. They absolutely loved doing everything together. What a team!
Now Karen and Mike are on a new spiritual journey on another plane. We all wish them joy, peace, love and the hope they will continue having adventures ad infinitum.
Thank you, Karen, for all the joy, laughter, and heartwarming moments you graced my life with for 70 years. Here in this realm, I will miss you deeply, however this is not goodbye, Sis, as you will live forever in my heart.
Donna Delios
August 19, 2024
Ryan- A fitting homage to Karen.
Your mom was a delightful, wonderful lady.
I will be forever grateful to her as a loving stepmother to your sister Stacy. As Stacy´s mom, I always knew that she would be welcomed, loved and kept safe by your mom. Karen was truly a special stepmother, not all children are so fortunate. I remember how happy your mom was when she became pregnant with you. Her smiles and joy grew each time I saw her.
I feel fortunate to have known her. Love to you and your children.
Jan Feathers
August 19, 2024
My first memory of Karen was of her holding baby Ryan. I remember her sweet smile and that delightful laugh. She was a vibrant lady and will be greatly missed.
Sandy Nash
August 19, 2024
I'll never forget the night she said come with me to a friend's, I need to take them something. I said I can't go I'm in my jammies, she said they won't care. We get there, I go in with her, and SURPRISE, it was my going away party. Pif I will miss you forever
Hal Van Meeteren
August 19, 2024
Ryan,
It was an honor getting to know you and bringing your dear mom home. She was obviously an amazing human being. I know you´ll find comfort in cherished memories and the fact others will still benefit from a wonderful life.
Ken Moylan
August 17, 2024
So sad we lost Karen so quickly and at such a young age. She had so much to look forward to and everybody that knew her will miss her. Losing Michael two years ago was just too much to overcome. We will always miss Karen and Michael.
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