Karen Lynn Hanley

It is with deep sorrow and everlasting love that we mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Karen Lynn Hanley of San Antonio, Texas on June 18, 2024, at the age of 77. She was surrounded by her loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest, while caring for others and striving to help make the world a better place.

Karen was born on May 5, 1947, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to John Curtis Shield and Helen Magdalene Capulli Shield. She was a loving mother and oftentimes, father to her three sons, a devoted wife, a cherished daughter, a friend to all who she met, and a selfless caregiver to any and every animal in need. Karen is survived by her sisters Sandra Miller and Tommie Sinclair, her three sons, John David, Kenneth Paul, and Richard Allen, and her seven grandchildren Brooke, Caroline, Connor, Sloane, Peyton, Riley, and Reise.

As a military child, Karen spent her youth traveling the world and eventually settled in San Antonio where she attended Thomas Jefferson High School.

Karen dedicated her life to her family, friends, and her pets. She was known for her kindness, generosity, spirit, sense of humor, and her passion for rescuing animals in need. Her favorite pastimes included singing, painting, cooking, and spending time with her family, all while caring for her many rescued pets.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Magdalene Capulli Shield and John Curtis Shield, her sisters Joanne Timbes and Michelle Henderson.

Her ashes will be lovingly entrusted in the family home to honor her devotion to family. A private celebration of life is being planned later this summer.

All who knew her, knew that Karen joyfully cared for any and every animal that crossed her path. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to celebrate her life be made to The Animal Defense League of Texas, adltexas.org/donate/. Alternatively, consider donating to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America to support efforts to find a cure to the disease that shortens the lives of so many. alzfdn.org/donate

She was deeply loved and will be missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.