Karen Sue Olds

Karen Sue Olds

Karen Sue Olds died Sunday, May 7, 2017 after a long-fought battle with breast cancer. She was born on May 7, 1951 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Lois and William VerMeulen. Karen grew up in Kalamazoo, graduated from Loy Norrix High School and attended Western Michigan University. While working as a checker at Meijers Thrifty Acres, she met her future husband, Steve Olds, as he went through the checkout line. Karen and Steve were married on October 15, 1971 and later moved to Detroit where Karen completed her B.S. in Occupational Therapy at Wayne State University. Karen and Steve moved to Palos Verdes in 1983. Son Michael was born within weeks of their move and shortly thereafter Karen began her 30+ years of volunteer service to a variety of community organizations. At St. Peter's by the Sea Presbyterian Church, Karen sang in multiple choirs, rang handbells, served as elder for preschool, children, and youth, chaired nominating committees, was a sponsor for high school youth, accompanying them to Mexico for housebuilding service trips, and brought her famous brownies to most gatherings. Her organizational skills and attention to detail benefited every school Michael attended with her service in PTA, also serving the entire PVP School District as a trustee for the Peninsula Education Foundation from 1997-2003, especially as Co-President and President from 2001-2003. Karen served on the Board of Trustees for Providence Little Company of Mary from 2006-2017. Special events, and auctions in particular, were her strength and love. She used her multiple gifts on behalf of the Sellabration Gala, Women's Wellness Conference, the Golf Classic, and the Trinity Care Hospice Sunday by the Sea events. One of Karen's greatest joys was seeing the marriage of her son Michael to Paige Osborn on March 25, 2017. Her death leaves a hole for her family, friends, and community that will not be filled. She will be especially missed by her mother Lois, sister Jane, son Michael, and daughter-in-law Paige. A celebration of Karen's life will be held on Saturday, May 13 at 11:00 am at St. Peter's by the Sea Church, 6410 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes. Contributions in her honor may be made to St. Peter's by the Sea Presbyterian Church, Providence Little Company of Mary, or City of Hope. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.