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Karen Heffernan Obituary
1944~2019
Holladay, UT-Karen Lee Heffernan (74), who loved widely and deeply, and was loved in return by all who met her, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019, after a hard-fought battle with CIDP. She lived her life with selfless grace, service, and concern for others.
Karen was born in Richfield, UT, to Art and Bessie Wagstaff on December 19, 1944. She grew up in Holladay, graduating from the Granite High School Class of 1963. She majored in dance at BYU and later taught at South High. Karen met her eternal companion, Chris, in Cambridge, MA, and they married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 4, 1973. They started their family in Stonington, CT, and later returned to Utah, where they have lived in Holladay for the past 40 years.
Karen was a second mother to many of her children's friends and showered all who entered her home with unconditional love and toasted cheese sandwiches.
Karen had a lifelong love for art and was an award-winning member of the Utah Watercolor Society. She saw beauty all around her, which she captured in her paintings. She taught many of her children and grandchildren to draw and paint.
Karen was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even in her final moments she expressed faith that families are forever, and Jesus is her Savior.
Karen is survived by her husband Chris, daughter Tracy Campbell (Mick), sons Ryan (Meghan Eagan) and Scott (Aimee), 12 grandchildren, and sisters Dawna Barton (David), Helen Paul (Bob), and Wilna Holt (Gov). She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Read.
The family thanks the healthcare workers at IMC and the U of U Hospital, who treated and supported Karen in her fight against CIDP.
Funeral services will be held on June 1, 2019, at 12pm at the Olympus Stake Center, 2675 E 4430 S, Holladay, UT. Viewings at the same location on Friday, May 31st from 6-8 pm and June 1st from 10:30-11:45 am prior to the funeral. Interment: Memorial Holladay Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Memorial Holladay~Cottonwood Mortuary. To share a memory with the family, visit http://www.memorialutah.com/obituary/holladay-cottonwood/karen-lee-heffernan/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Heffernan
4 Entries
May 30, 2019
Such fond memories of Karen and those sweet kids that I used to babysit so much. Sending much love at this time to you all! Grateful in the knowledge that we will meet again, and you are all together forever. You'll be in my prayers for the coming days.
<3 Much love, Debbie Hill
Preston Rasmussen
May 30, 2019
As stated, Karen was a second mother to me and a large portion of my formative years. Her toasted cheese was a welcome treat and will forever be a topic of conversation with my children and friends. Her passing brings a heavy heart but fond memories of times spent under the roof of her home. Sending love and prayers to the Heffernan family as you morn her absence from this earth.
Celia Cutler
May 29, 2019
I was so sorry to learn of Karen's passing and offer my heartfelt sympathy to her family. She was always kind, friendly, considerate, and personable and will be greatly missed.
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