Karen Lynn McClaflin

Karen Lynn McClaflin, 68, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on August 11, 2026. Born July 5, 1958, in Kansas to Frank and Patty, Karen moved to Colorado Springs early in life and attended schools in the Air Force Academy School District. She will be remembered as a beloved and cherished presence—gentle in spirit, thoughtful in word and deed, and steadfastly compassionate to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Those who knew Karen understood quickly that she carried a rare kind of kindness—one that made people feel welcome and seen. She seemed never to meet a stranger, offering warmth with an open heart and a gracious ease that drew others close. Her faith was sincere and lived with quiet devotion; she attended different churches for the culture and the varied experiences, approaching each with respectful curiosity and a reverent appreciation for what could be learned and shared.

On May 6, 1990, at 11:45 a.m., Karen met Jim Strange on a blind date—an encounter that became the beginning of a lasting partnership. They were married on September 23, 1996, at 5:30 p.m. in Tempe, AZ, at the justice facility where Judge Orr presided. Karen was an amazing wife and mother, and her love for family was both steady and generous, expressed not in grand display but in daily care and unwavering devotion. She is survived by her son, Travis Biggs; and her brother, Martin (Suzanne) of Monument, CO. She was preceded in death by her sister, Kelly.

Karen’s home was the gathering place for family events, and it was no accident: she was a great host, creating a sense of comfort and belonging with a kind-hearted attentiveness that made every guest feel cherished. An amazing cook and a gardener, she brought beauty and nourishment to those around her. No one left her house hungry or empty handed. Her talent as an interior designer reflected her thoughtful nature—an eye for harmony, a love of welcoming spaces, and a gentle instinct for what would make others feel at ease.

Her compassion extended far beyond people. Karen fed every animal that entered her property and crossed her path, and her love for animals was constant and tender. It was her dream to open a facility for abused animals—a hope that spoke to the depth of her empathy and the faithful generosity with which she met the world.

Music also shaped Karen’s life. She was very musically inclined, played piano, and sang. Growing up, she participated in different musical groups, carrying forward a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and connection music can bring. She loved going to Teluride, CO for music festivals and to Santa Fe, NM for the ambiance. She enjoyed traveling and loved sailing everywhere, especially in the Caribbean—embracing each journey with a gentle joy and a grateful sense of wonder.

Karen’s life was marked by love—love for her family, for her community, for animals, for music, and for the simple dignity of treating every person with care. In her own words and in her daily way of being, she sought to “love everyone,” and many will carry that example forward with gratitude.

Special thank you to everyone at Memorial Hospital.