Karen, a very bright light, a very talented actor and a teacher who valued every moment with students. When she saw me, her genuinely beautiful smile would make my or anyone’s day happier. Karen was the best, very best hugger, she always made you feel you were the most important person at that moment. Karen was thoughtful, kind and students loved her, her colleagues felt heard and appreciated, her friends could not have a better friend. I had not seen Karen in a while, but she shared her retirement life through pictures on Facebook - hiking with John and I cannot imagine how John feels, they were a special couple. My thoughts go out to John, today will be difficult. I hope he knows that Karen will be remembered by so many students, colleagues, friends and family. To Karen, on your new journey, break a leg.

My beloved “fairy godmother”. Thank you for loving me and showing me how to live with such grace and zest and spirit. I will never stop trying to show the light you gave the world with such ease. For the woman who knew me before I was born, I love you to pieces ❤️

Karen was simply one in a million. 
She was my theater teacher from 6th to 8th grade and I simply remember her championing my individuality. She empowered me to be completely myself in her class. I always felt listened to and seen by Karen, in an incredibly tender time of life. Beyond that- she made me feel FUNNY. She made me feel valuable when I was with her. Me and countless other students over her career. What a mark to leave. 

She was always smiling, engaging, connect, supporting, and laughing with us. She seemed at home within herself and just carried such a sense of peace. 
I was blessed to learn from her for years and to have female role models like her in front of me; kind, hilarious, and inspired. 

I am an artist now. And when I think of people who supported me on this creative journey— Karen is a person who stands out with vibrancy in my mind. 

My sincerest condolences to her loved ones. You have lost a magnificent woman who was truly marked with goodness.
Grieving with you 🩵

Britta Horsfall

Karen’s infectious personality and sweet smile will be missed. She was a friend from high school and is missed and remembered fondly by so many.  Sending condolences to the family and friends.  She’ll not be forgotten.

Karen possessed the kindest heart I have ever known. I am deeply saddened by her untimely passing. My sincere condolence to her husband and family.  Rest in eternal peace.    Dean P.

Karen was Full of life. Always positive and full of laughter!  A friend to all.  Karen put on some GREAT plays and the kids loved her!  There will never be another Karen!!  Everything she touched was beautiful and a success.  I will remember so many laughs and memories!!  Karen you are Missed!  
Tricia Marsa

In 1996, Karen awaited the construction of a wing at Eagleview. She envisioned how she'd develop the theatre, which she and the school's architect designed. Instead, the district's school board president decided a theatre was frivolous. He directed the new superintendent to remove it from the blueprints and turn the designated "wing space" into 2 academic classrooms. Academic rigor was his goal.
    A colleague, returning from Holocaust studies in Poland and Israel, was outraged by what had happened and accompanied Karen to a 15-minute appointment with the superintendent. A contentious discussion ensued that extended past 90 minutes so the exasperated superintendent agreed to share his decision on a conference call that evening. 
    At midnight when the call came in, Karen's colleague listened while the powerful man explained item by item that there would be no "green" room, no spotlights, no microphones or audio equipment, no stage curtains, and no overhead lighting provided. With each ultimatum, Karen softly answered, "All right," and when he finished, she asked, "But we will have a stage in the double room, right?" He agreed.
   It was a major victory, and Karen was ready to get to work.  She began turning the cavernous room into a laboratory for learning and enlisted her husband John's talents to build an area to accommodate the audio, lighting, and taping equipment she planned to buy through fundraising projects. It took years, but students, colleagues, and parents all understood her long-term goals and helped. Her mother Irma created costuming for Karen's plays and  the costume collection would've turned heads in Hollywood. With Roberta, Eagleview's gifted music teacher, Karen worked with students to give magical performances, and each year funds were raised that enhanced the stage.
    Students continue to appear in Broadway shows and enjoy a moment in the spotlight on that stage. It is Karen's  legacy. Karen will live on in every treasured memory.

I am saddened by Karen's death. She was a caring, energetic teacher, who helped so many students shine. Her office was just around the corner from my classroom. It was so fun to watch her transform her small space into a magical, tropical beach; complete with beach ball and colorful  miniature tropical fish lights. Her planning time was the same as mine and we spent so many good moments, laughing about life and ourselves. We shared much of our feelings and thoughts. Her light, smile, ready laugh and encouragement will be missed by so many of us who were lucky to spend time with her.l

Karen was a mainstay at water aerobics. Always positive and encouraging. Karen had a way of finding the good in everyone and making you feel important in her life.

Karen was an avid supporter of the arts including Christmas This Year performed by people with Down Syndrome.

Karen had the incredible gift of taking an unruly group of middle schoolers and magically producing an amazing play or musical.  Her impact on her students as well as the school staff and teachers was extraordinary.  Karen will be missed by so many.  Here’s to a beautiful life, so very well lived, and all too short!

Sometimes a colleague/friend comes along who influences your life and the lives of all she meets. That was Karen Swartley. She loved kids, her family, her friends and her calling to be a teacher. Teaching was her God-given gift to everyone she met. She influenced thousands of students to love acting, expression, overcoming fears, and giving it your best. Her students knew they were loved unconditionally. They and I will never forget her laughter, her Mama-bear hugs, her wisdom and advice, her creativity, and her faith.
I treasure the memories of a trip to Denver with Angie where we saw Wicked, her performance of Golda in Fiddler, our time at AAJH, all the productions at Eagleview, the Talent Shows, Readers' Theatre, and the transformations I saw in the young people she taught because she believed in them.
Karen magnanimously allowed the Young Writers' Club to use the stage and helped Kay Esmiol and me in any way she could.

I will never forget you, dear Karen. You touched my heart, and I will see you again someday in Heaven.

Karen at Air Academy Junior High in 1985-86

When every day felt like going into battle… we bought matching outfits.

Karen… my person while teaching at Eagleview. She showed up during a really hard season, and walked (sometimes ran) life’s journey with me. She had the beautiful ability to be fully present with those in front of her. She was the first person with whom I confided when pregnant…and the first person to talk to my belly after a 12 mile hike (since we got lost). We shared a talent for not knowing directions at all…a constant source of laughter. Karen, I’m heartbroken that you’re gone and incredibly grateful that it hurts so much… because it validates how special you are to me. You loved who I loved and was mad when I was mad. We played in the costume basement, collaborated to bring theatre into my classroom, and we silently rebelled when we thought rules were stupid. We painted the vice principal’s office when she was on vacation (asking for forgiveness later), and we became fast friends right after I was hired. You grieved with me, and you celebrated with me. No matter what, you showed up every time, and I’m just going to miss you. I love you so much… May your light shine on in every life you influenced. I’m holding you and John and Irene…your niece… and all those who will feel your loss close to my heart in prayer and so much love.

Karen was my best friend from 7th grade until we graduated from high school.  We weren’t in touch on a regular basis after graduation but when we got together it was like we had never been apart.
She was a very special person, and I was so lucky to have her in my life.   Her childlike innocence and joy for everything good was infectious.  She lit up the room when she walked in.  I am so grateful that I got to see her earlier this year and we got to do a lot of catch up on our lives.
The world needs more people like Karen.  I will miss her every day.  
My love and deepest condolences go to her family and friends.
Karen, I love you and thank you for all you did for so many people.

Karen was a delight to teach with. Both of my daughters, Ashley and Whitney, surely benefited from having her as a teacher. She will be missed. 💔

Karen loved the ocean  so much when she first seen it and went in with all her clothes on with the biggest smile on her face

Our Norwegian Readers Theatre group.  Thank you, Karen, for your enthusiasm and love.  You will be greatly missed.

I’m going to miss Karen so much!  She just  led our Norwegian class in a “reader’s theater” production in May.  I can see why she was a fabulous teacher…she made me comfortable and encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone.

Oh Karen, the world will not be the same without you.  You were a beautiful, bright star and a gentle, loving soul.  Love and condolences to all that loved you.  You will be missed beyond words.  
Linda Hayes

Karen was an incredible educator who inspired so many children to appreciate the power of the performing arts. She is one of the reasons I went into the arts as a career field and I am incredibly indebted to her. Her kindness and joy resonate profoundly in so many and she will be greatly missed.

John and Karen at  Co wedding with Lois
Lang

Probably around 1992, I sat down in the front row of the Eagleview auditorium/lunchroom to  watch a performance of Grease. I happened to be sitting right next to Karen's mother. As we chatted, we discovered that Karen's mother had lived in McCallsburg, Iowa, shortly after emigrating to the U.S. with her family. Nobody has ever heard of this tiny town (population 250), but it was my hometown! It's a small world, and Karen, like her mother, always made it seem as if you were at the center of her world. She was such a gift to so many.  May her memory - and her example - live on in us all.

Karen, you have been the biggest inspiration in my life. You taught me how to be brave and strong, how to love unconditionally and be unapologetically myself. Since I was a kid you have been my biggest fan and I yours. The summers I spent at your house hiking, baking, eating ice cream and dressing up in your basement full of costumes will live in my memory forever. It hurts my heart that I will never be able to give you a hug or hear your laugh again. I know you have found peace and your spirit lives on through the people you have touched. Our lives go on and with them the memory of you is carried with us. I love you to the moon and back and a million times over.

Another post hiking lunch! I think we hiked so much so we had an excuse to go out to eat!

One of our favorite places to eat after hiking. She shared her favorite hike my my daughters and their friends!

We 3 had amazing memories together! We sometimes laughed until we cried!

This was at my daughters wedding. Karen helped me with everything for this event.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Karen Swartley

11 février 1957 – 3 juin 2024

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

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