Karen Louise Downey

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our sister, Karen Louise Downey (of Beaumont, California), on July 10, 2024 following a long illness. Karen was born on June 15, 1950 in Denver, Colorado. She graduated from Lakenheath High School in the UK, earned her Bachelor's Degree from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, and her Master's Degree from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. Karen made a career of teaching elementary school in Grand Junction, Colorado, and Riverside, California. Many, many first graders learned to read, write, and do math thanks to Karen and her ability to connect easily with young children. As a result, she was named Teacher of the Year several times throughout her career. She was predeceased by her parents, Ophilia Gomez Downey and Allan K. Downey, and her longtime partner, Ed Blydenburgh. Karen is survived by her siblings, Alicia Rodriguez (Art), Sean Downey (Abby), and Valerie Buseman (Ray) as well as four nephews (Dane, Zeke, Brian, and Darren) and one niece (Katrina) and their families. She will be interred at the family ranch's Pagosa Junction Cemetery in Colorado. May the angels watch over her and the Lord grant her eternal rest. We love you and miss you big sister.

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