Karen V. MAHAN

1939 - 2022

The world lost a bright shining star on December 13, 2022. Karen brought smiles, joy, and laughter to every life she touched. She always saw the bright side, the funny side, and the positive side of things and always had a smile on her face.

Karen, the daughter of Herbert and Vesta Bodley, was born on December 4, 1939, in Seattle. Five years later, her brother Brad was born. She spent the first 9 years of her life combing the beaches at her home near Poulsbo, Washington, before moving to the north side of Spokane.

Karen graduated from North Central High School and the University of Washington. At U of W, she was a leader in the Alpha Delta Pi sorority (as were her mother, Vesta, and her daughter, Susan). She did postgraduate studies at Whitworth University, Eastern Washington University, and Seattle Pacific University.

After graduating from the U of W she taught Home Economics at Saint Nicholas School for Girls in Seattle. During the summers she would return to Spokane.

In the summer of 1963, Karen worked for Old National Bank as a teller. At the end of many days, she would be unable to balance, hoping that Howard Mahan, the branch manager, would assist her. She and Howard were married in the summer of 1966, beginning 56 wonderful years of life together.

Karen returned to teaching when her children were in high school. She was a dedicated educator and mentor who impacted and enhanced more lives than can be counted. Karen loved her 24 years at Lewis and Clark High School, where she was the department head of Family and Consumer Sciences. Her passion was helping her students achieve their life goals. She was always available to her students and colleagues.

In addition to Saint Nicholas School for Girls and Lewis & Clark High School, Karen also served on the faculty of Whitworth University and Spokane Community College. After retiring, Karen continued her dedication to education and served as president of the Spokane Chapter of the Retired Educators Association.

Karen's community involvements included the Junior League of Spokane, WAMPUM, Spokane Symphony Associates, American Red Cross, and Campfire Girls. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Spokane, the American and Spokane Home Economics Association, and PEO.

Some of the biggest joys in Karen's life where the birth of her grandchildren and spending time with each of them. Karen loved going to the family cabin at Hayden Lake each summer. On many occasions she would go just for the weekend and never come home, wanting to spend time creating memories with her grandchildren.

After she retired from teaching, she and Howard traveled the world with her brother and amazing friends. Their adventure and fun were endless. They visited many countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, but Karen and Howard's favorite trip of all was when they walked down the aisle together.

Due to several strokes, Karen's final years were spent at Touchmark Retirement Community where she was loved and taken care of by a fabulous group of caregivers. The family appreciates all the love and dedication and joy they brought her.

Karen is survived by her husband Howard C. Mahan, daughter Susan Mahan Kohls (Rick), son Reed Mahan (Diane), brother Brad Bodley, and six grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sarah, Katherine, Matthew, Samuel, and Brian. She was a dedicated Grammy and loved by all including countless lifelong friends.

A viewing will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory, Spokane, Washington. Service will be at 2 o'clock, January 6, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, Spokane, Washington, with a reception following at Manito Country Club. Before the memorial service, there will a private family interment at Fairmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to charitable organizations important to Karen, such as Spokane Public Television (KSPS) or the Spokane Symphony. To leave an online condolence to Karen's family, please visit our website at www.HennesseyFuneralHomes.com.