Karen D Basher

March 23, 1947 - August 16, 2023

Karen Dawn Basher, lovingly known as "Grammy," entered this world on March 23, 1947. After a meaningful journey of 76 years, she crossed over on August 16, 2023. Her matriarchal legacy will live on within the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

Born in the heart of Denver, Colorado, Karen's life story unfolded amidst the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. From her formative years in Superior to her high school graduation in Louisville, her roots were firmly intertwined with the Colorado soil.

Growing up, Karen was the oldest of two children. She was always looking out for her younger brother, Curt (aka Skip). There's a specific memory she held dear and often shared with us grandkids. As the story goes, in classic sibling fashion, during a game of softball with her friends, Skip couldn't resist the playful urge to pester her while she was at the bat. In an unexpected turn, Karen's swing and Skip’s face got a little TOO close. Don’t worry, Skip is still in one piece but brother’s will be brothers… Though we all laugh about this story now (even Skip) Karen was the first to look after him, making sure he was okay. This has been the case even into their adulthood.

Later on, Karen married Robert (Bob) Basher on September 24, 1966. Together they had two daughters, Wendy and Michelle. As a family they spent many weekends enjoying water skiing and many other activities at Jackson Reservoir. In the winter they spent lots of time snow skiing with family. In 1983, they moved to Eckert, Colorado and in 1991 they moved to Fruita, Colorado. Karen and Bob divorced in 2002. However, they still held a special bond until Bob passed away in 2020.

Karen’s other hobbies included canning peaches and pears, making jam, crocheting blankets, and baking pies and cookies during the holidays. She was gracefully good at just about everything.

Karen's life stood as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Even though she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when she was just 17 years old, she faced the difficulties of her diagnosis with strength. Eventually, in the early 2000s, she became reliant on a wheelchair. However, she never allowed these challenges to define her. Her unwavering strength became an inspiration, and her playful spirit found expression as she joyfully took her grandchildren on wheelchair rides.

Being a true Coloradan at heart, Karen reveled in cheering for the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies. Always dressed in matching team blankets, her enthusiasm for sports was undeniable. Beyond this, she found joy in the game of bingo. Her love for the game grew during her time in residential care, where she transformed a simple pastime into a heartfelt gesture for her loved ones. She thoughtfully selected prizes, always with her grandchildren's interests in mind.

Nature offered Karen solace and joy. Whether she basked in the sun's warmth or marveled at hummingbirds' graceful dance, she possessed a unique ability to embrace life's nuances. Her genuine curiosity unveiled hidden beauty often overlooked by others.

As we gather to honor Grammy, we celebrate a life of love, joy, and a distinct perspective. Her legacy is one of shared triumphs, laughter, and a reminder to find joy in life's smallest moments. While she may have bid us farewell, her spirit continues to dance in sunlight and flutter among the hummingbirds, forever residing in the hearts she touched.

Karen is survived by her loving daughters, Michelle (Mark) Angelo and Wendy (Dirk) Kozak; her brother, Curtis "Skip" (Teara) Carr; her grandchildren, Katie (Eddie) Calderon, Clayton (Renae) Wyatt, Jared (Carrol) Wyatt, Ernest Angelo, Elaina (Nick) Chappell, and Maggie Angelo; and her great-grandchildren, Amari Calderon, Mekhi Calderon, Sakiya Calderon, Nehemiah Calderon, Arya Angelo, Amya Calderon, Atticus Angelo, and Austin Chappell.

She was preceded in passing by her cherished parents, Curtis H. Carr, who departed on December 22, 1979, and Marjorie L. Carr, who followed on July 3rd, 2012.

In light of these times, let us remember Grammy not for her limitations, but for the boundless love, faith, and warmth she shared. May we also draw upon her grace and courage as we bravely face life's challenges, fueled by selflessness and love.

A Memorial Celebration will be held for Karen on October 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Callahan Edfast Mortuary

Forever and always, we love you, Grammy. ♥️

Written by Maggie Rose