Karen Vollbrecht

Karen Gant Vollbrecht passed away peacefully at her home on June 16. Karen was born in Paris, Texas on November 6, 1948 to James P. and Edith (Fletcher) Gant. She leaves behind her loving husband of 43 years, Tom. She was an amazing mother to her two sons, James Vollbrecht and John Vollbrecht and John’s wife, Melissa; as well as a loving grandmother to her three grandchildren, Lilly, Theodore and Katherine Vollbrecht. She is also survived by her mother, Edith Gant, of Edmond, and her sister, Mary Ann Woodward of San Francisco, CA and numerous nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her father. Karen spent her childhood growing up in Honey Grove and Dallas, TX until she graduated from Richardson High School in 1966. She then set off for Virginia to attend Hollins University where she received a BA degree in History and Political Science in 1970. She returned to her home state of Texas and married her high school sweetheart, Thomas R. Vollbrecht, on July 17, 1971. The couple relocated to Edmond, OK in 1976 to take part in a shared family business venture, Unit Parts Company. Karen became a member of the OKC Junior League and was a regular volunteer at the “Nearly New” shop. She set a goal for owning her own women's clothing store, beginning her career in Dallas as a buyer for Neiman Marcus. Her dream was realized in 1978 when she opened the first of three Vollbrecht’s women’s clothing stores in Oklahoma City. A devoted mother, she was a coach of her son’s baseball teams, their constant tutor and biggest fan. She opened her home to her son’s friends and families and is considered by many of them to be their second Mom. Karen was also an accomplished musician and enthusiast of classical music. She became a member of the OKC Orchestra League and was a passionate volunteer in the youth music education program in Central Oklahoma. Karen found great joy and peace in playing her violin, gardening, traveling and adored spending time with her grandchildren. Karen had a boundless enthusiasm for life, was a great role-model to all who knew her and a stranger to none. She was a true modern-day Renaissance woman who lived a full life. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to love and know her. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her doctors and caregivers for their compassionate and loving care. A memorial service will be held on June 23 at 11AM, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the "We've Got Rhythm" program, OKC Orchestra League, 3815 N. Santa Fe Ave., Ste 105, OKC., OK 73118.