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Karen Denny Obituary
Karen was born Nov. 11, 1965, in Maryville, Arizona, to William Blockcolsky and Valeda DeWitt Blockcolsky. In 1974 Karen moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, with her parents and two brothers, Douglas and Brian. Karen graduated with honors from West Valley High School in 1983 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Karen's adventurous side prompted her to travel to Arizona to pursue her master's degree in education; to Japan to teach English; and to the southern part of Alaska teaching elementary school in Manokotak. It was during her years in the southern part of Alaska that Karen had her two older children, Tristan and Brinae. In 2000 Karen moved to Palmer, where she had her third child, Evan. Since moving to Palmer, Karen joined the Mat-Su School District holding various positions, but the position that she held the longest and loved the most was in the position of librarian for Shaw Elementary School.
Karen strongly loved and cared for the people in her life. She had passion for education, art, the Lord, and for human beings. In the most recent years, Karen became an accomplished artist and was very involved in the Pastel Society of Alaska. Karen's work was exhibited at the International Association of Pastel Societies 2022 World Exhibition.
Karen is preceded in death by her father, William Blockcolsky, and her brother, Brian Blockcolsky.
Karen is survived by her mother, Valeda DeWitt Blockcolsky; brother, Douglas Blockcolsky; three children, Tristan Denny (Olivia), Brinae Denny and Evan Denny; and her soul sister, Cindy Benford (Dennis); nephew, Kamryn Blockcolsky (Rebecca), and great-nieces Reya, Sophia and Payton; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 3, 2023, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 440 E. Elmwood Ave., Palmer, AK 99645.
If you would like to send flowers or express your condolences, please send them to 9887 E. Manna Dr., Palmer, AK 99645. As an alternative, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of Karen's recommendation: ALS Charity (healingals.org), Chessed Alaska (everydaychessed.org), or Pastel Society Alaska (alaskapastel.com).
To the friends and family of Karen, however distant, we express our deepest condolences. To those that aided her in any way in her fight against ALS, we would like to express our most profound gratitude. Your help and kindness allowed her to spend a few more days amongst her loved ones on this Earth. It is our hope that you are at peace knowing that Karen is no longer suffering and is in a better place with her creator.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Denny
3 Entries
Bob & Karen Karlen
January 2, 2024
We are so very sorry for your loss of Karen, yet, we rejoice knowing she is with her Lord.
Though Karen was a part of our lives for a few short years, we have fond memories of her and her family.
We send our deepest sympathies to you all.
JoAnn Grimaldi, and Nick, Soldotna, Alaska
November 30, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Karen's passing, to all family members we offer our prayers. We knew Karen's father Bill, and her brother Douglas when they lived in Galena, they were dear friends of ours, a relationship we will always treasure.
Brooke Lavender
November 27, 2023
Kay,
Your life was beautiful and it sounds like you were quite the blessing to everyone around you.
While I only spoke with you a few times, my heart goes out to your loved ones and family as ALS is an awful disease that seems to take the best people from us too soon.
To your family-I am here to support you. Please don´t hesitate to reach out. We have a support group for those grieving who may need additional support.
I lost my cousin to als in July, and it was and is one of the most difficult things I´ve been through. You are in my prayers.
Brooke
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