Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1930
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Karen O'Brien Obituary
Karen Marie O'Brien passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 8th at her home in Balboa Island surrounded by her loved ones. Karen is the daughter of Leo and Grettle Hansen and was born September 13, 1930 in Logan, UT with memories she forever cherished. She loved, served, and valued family above all else. It was her family that was her main priority and focus in life, everything else took a back seat! There was not a better listener and she always had a way of making you smile and feel better about yourself! She loved everyone, and no one ever heard her say a bad or cross word about anyone else! She was an example of love, kindness, generosity, and happiness. She will be greatly missed and remembered by those who knew and loved her.
She married her sweetheart Verl July 1, 1955. They hosted a luncheon where it was anticipated they would announce their engagement, instead they surprised everyone and announced that they were leaving immediately for Hawaii and were to be married in the Oahu Laie Temple the next day. Everyone surprised, hopped in their cars and followed them to the airport to wish them Bon Voyage! Their romance was a thing of novels. Their love for one another was observed and admired by all who knew them.
Karen and Verl are the parents of Keli (Steve Smith), Sean (Jana), Devon (Darci), and Eden (Craig Bennett). They have fifteen wonderful grandchildren
Services will be held at the EastBluff Ward in Newport Beach, CA. 1 p.m. Saturday November 19. Viewing one hour prior to service. 2150 Bonita Canyon Dr Newport Beach, CA. Burial will be on Tuesday, November 22 in Salt Lake City at the Wasatch Lawn Cemetery 3306 Highland Dr. Graveside Service at 12:00 Noon
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen O'Brien
Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Royal Hansen
December 8, 2016
Dear O'Brien Family, Laura and I are sorry to learn of Karen's passing. We have fond memories of East Millcreek and your valued friendship. You have all been so thoughtful and generous to our family. We extend our condolences and best wishes as you mourn Karen's passing. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Laura & Royal Hansen
Amy Curtis
November 26, 2016
Dear O'Brien family
I have such happy memories of your mother and being in your home. there was always such a wonderful warm feeling. Karen was the heart of it all. It was so much fun visiting with your parents and watching your mothers expressions with those bright beautiful eyes. What a wonderful family! my love to all of you at this tender time. Amy Topham Curtis
Jerrolyn Fisher
November 22, 2016
Dear O'Brien Family:
Your family is very dear to us. And we were saddened deeply hearing of Karen's passing. We know you will miss her but we hope for the sweet memories of her to comfort all of you.
My children sincerely regret the timing not working for them to be there today to the lovely tribute to your sweetheart and mother. I was so touched hearing the fun stories of your time with her. It was sweet to hear your tenderness and love of your sweetheart Verl and I know how dearly she loved you.
I will forever treasure the many sweet memories I have of Karen. I love her for the many things she taught me.. I admit I don't think I was terribly savvy about a lot. She gently taught me about a tender love for all and about fashion and hair and makeup. We had so much fun when we could be together and I listened to everything she told me and I became a little more conscious of life. I wish she was still here. I know I would still learn from her wisdom and her love.
The strongest thing I remember of her was her deep love for all of you and including her siblings and parents. She held all in high esteem.
Bless you all to be comforted. I know that love that passeth all understanding and it was sweet to hear Sean share that you have all felt that. Thanks for helping us to laugh today with precious stories of happy times together.
All our love to you,
Jeri (Shamy) and Scott Fisher
Deborah Hansen-Reed-Holman
November 22, 2016
Dearest Family,
Our hearts are heavy at Aunt Karen's passing, yet rejoice at the thought of the happiness she is bringing her loved ones on the other side - so many, now - just as she did here on Earth. We here are left to recall and smile. Such a lovely, gentle soul, for whom I have so many fun, funny and sweet memories ~ all cherished.
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all, such a beautiful, wonderful family.
Uncle Verl, we love and admire you so much and your tender care of your sweetheart till her passing through that ever so thin veil. (I remember well Aunt Karen telling me the story of your marriage/honeymoon.) :)
Always,
~Debbie and Family
November 19, 2016
Dear O'Brien Family,
My happy recollections of Karen, Verl and all of you stand out in my memory SO clearly. From my perspective as a youth Karen was the stuff of storybooks (your whole family was!): elegant, and soft-spoken with a uniqueness about her that still impresses me to this day.
We love you and send you our prayers. May the Lord bless you with peace. May He fill your minds with more precious memories of her than you knew you had.
Love,
Wendy Taylor
(Gwendolyn Taylor Soper)
Era: East Millcreek 7th Ward
Laurie Excell
November 18, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Shirley Britsch
November 18, 2016
Dear O'Brien Family,
Our hearts are saddened to learn of Karen's passing. What a wonderful woman she was--a great example of graciousness and kindness. Our family has so many choice memories of her and of all of your dear family from our days in East Millcreek. What happy times those were! May you all be blessed with comfort and by the memories of the love and devotion of your dear wife and mother.
With much love to all of you,
Shirley Taylor McKay Britsch
David Shamy
November 18, 2016
Dear O'brien family,
Please accept my sympathy at your lose. Karen was one of the nicest people I have ever met. She always made you feel special and important when ever she was around. All our love to your family - David Shamy
Tracy Duckworth
November 17, 2016
I have many fond memories doing projects at her home as a young scout. She was indeed a kind soul...Tracy Duckworth
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Karen O'Brien's name
Memorial Events
for Karen O'Brien
Funeral services provided by:
Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106
How to support Karen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Karen O'Brien's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
