Karen Sullivan Heede

1967 - 2025

Karen Sullivan Heede

January 6, 1967 - August 5, 2025

Karen S. Heede, beloved wife, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 5, 2025, after a long battle with breast cancer, which she faced with dignity and grace.

She was born on January 6, 1967, in Richmond, VA. From an early age, Karen embraced the world with curiosity and a keen intellect. Between the ages of two and fifteen, she traveled extensively with her parents, living in Mexico, Colombia, Lebanon, Kenya, Bangkok, and Puerto Rico. These experiences shaped her life and provided her with the opportunity to learn Spanish, which proved beneficial in both her travels and at work.

Karen graduated as Salutatorian of Godwin High School in Richmond before earning her Bachelor of Business Administration from the College of William & Mary. Though their paths crossed unknowingly during those years at William & Mary-sharing classes in Chancellor's Hall as Mark worked towards his MBA-Karen would meet her future husband many years later.

Her professional career began at Jefferson National Bank. In 1990, she joined the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Over the next three decades, she dedicated her expertise to supervising money transmitters, contributing nationally through her work with organizations including MTRA, CFPB, and CSBS.

Karen's life was deeply enriched by the dogs she adored. From her earliest days, Wire Fox Terriers brought her joy, and later, Yellow Labs became an inseparable part of her family. Her beloved companion Ginger was faithfully by her side when she passed.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark; her mother, Judy Sullivan; godparents, Mary Anne and Rex Dazey, whom she cherished as a second set of parents; her mother-in-law, Sandra Heede; sisters-in-law, Jennifer and Lynn; and her niece and nephews. Karen will also be forever remembered by her closest friends, Gail, Damian, and Pooran, along with her many pickleball partners and an extended circle of friends and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Sullivan, and by her dear friend and fellow William & Mary graduate Katherine Watkins, who was loved and is missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, Karen asked that donations be made to the ALS Association, Susan G. Komen, the Wounded Warrior Project, or a local humane organization in Karen's memory. Per Karen's wish, there will not be a public memorial service. Her ashes have been laid to rest along with those of the recently deceased Wire Fox Terrier Haley upon ground in the mountains. They will, together, forever have a beautiful view of the Valley.

May the memories of Karen's love and friendship continue to radiate joy in our hearts, inspiring smiles in place of tears.