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Karen Shields Obituary
Louisville - Karen Deborah Catherine Shields, J.D., 43, of Los Angeles, CA passed away on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Born in Louisville, KY on March 13, 1975, Karen graduated from Louisville Collegiate School in 1993. She subsequently graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. Karen attended Whittier Law School in Costa Mesa, CA where she was awarded her law degree in 2002. She passed the California Bar Exam on her first attempt and specialized in entertainment law.
Karen was a talented pianist who studied piano in Louisville with Nancy Albrink and Lee Luvisi. She was a soloist with the Louisville Orchestra on 6 occasions at the ages of 11, 12, and 16. Karen won many state competitions and attended several summer music schools, including Aspen, Colgate, and Indiana University. Her gift of music and passion for performing brought joy to everyone's lives. Karen was an avid world traveler, having visited 18 countries. She enjoyed long summers in Canada and holidays in Mexico, Hawaii, and Barbados with her grandparents and family. Her recent travels with her father to several European countries and Australia were particularly memorable.
Karen had an independent spirit and loved living in Los Angeles for the past 20 years. She was inseparable from her 8-year-old beloved red miniature poodle Teddy. Her life revolved around him.
Karen is survived by her father Christopher B. Shields, M.D., her mother Deborah I. Shields, and her sister Lisa B.E. Shields, M.D.
Funeral and burial services were privately held on Friday, April 20, 2018 at Cave Hill Cemetery. Due to Karen's love of all animals, donations may be made to Animal Care Society, 12207 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40245.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Shields
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
Cherish
April 7, 2022
Cherish
April 7, 2022
Cherish
April 7, 2022
Karen and I met about 7 years ago at the BH art fair. We both had Apricot poodles and they looked exactly alike. Come to find out they were related....they were cousins both from the same breeder. I had reached to Karen a few years ago and never heard back...so figured she was just busy...but now losing my Indy recently at 18 1/2 yo I reached out to her again...she always got right back to me then I found this. What a beautiful connection we had...we both were enthralled w our animal companions. I'm so sorry to hear of this loss.....She was a wonderful person. I hope Teddy is ok...Sending love to your friends & family.
Love, Cherish in Los Angeles
Ilan Greenwald
October 9, 2018
Karen and I were dog walking buddies here in LA. We constantly bumped into each other in our neighborhood, and enjoyed walking her Teddy and my Kashi together. I always loved hearing about her travels. We lost touch with each other when she moved to another part of the city, but she would occasionally reach out via text. This morning, I was walking past her old home, and decided to look for her online. I was heartbroken to discover her obituary. My condolence go out to Karen's family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Blake Ross
July 8, 2018
I am very sorry to read of karen's passing. A wonderful girl taken too young. My heart and prayers go to you.
Arnold Zeal
May 29, 2018
Did not know Karen but understand she was a lovely and extremely accomplished lady. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Chris and Debbie, so sorry for your loss. Nothing worse than loosing a child. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know you have awesome memories to cherish. May she rest in peace.
Arnold and Janet Zeal
Lisa Shields
April 26, 2018
Lisa Shields
April 26, 2018
It is surreal to read your name on the obituary page and see your beautiful, smiling face while holding your beloved Teddy. The outpouring of love from family and friends has focused on your incredible talent on the piano. I will never forget how your music soared from the piano and captivated everyone listening. It is so special to remember our last phone call, as you played YouTube and allowed the beauty of the piano to play through the phone line. We reminisced about piano concertos that we played in high school. Our mutual love of piano connected us on that final phone call and will forever bond us together. I miss you terribly dear Karen.
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