Karen Lynn Oliger

LEXINGTON – Karen Lynn Oliger, 52, of Lexington, died Thursday, March 22, 2012, after a courageous battle with liver disease following a transplant in 2000. Karen is survived by her parents, Charles N. and Muriel M. Oliger, brothers, Kenneth C. (Kim) Oliger, Greg M. (Sharon) Oliger, nieces, Bailey, Drew and Kaitlyn, step nieces, Debra, Jessica and Olivia, her extended family and a loving network of friends.

Karen was born on November 4, 1959 in Maywood, NJ. She played basketball at Lenior-Rhyne University and worked in the banking industry in Columbia for many years. She was a long-time resident of Lexington County, where she served her community in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission and touched the lives of several generations in her 25 year career as a USSSA, ASA and NSA umpire and a 2012 inductee to the SC USSSA Hall of Fame. “KO” as she was affectionately known in the community, leaves a long legacy of passion for team sports to all who knew her. She was a true athlete and an inspiration to many for her relentless ability to bounce back from continued medical adversities.

Karen was a strong supporter in the humane treatment of animals. The family is asking in lieu of flowers, to please send memorials to: Pets, Inc. 300 Orchard Drive, West Columbia, SC 29171.

Memorial services for Karen will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church on Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Irmo/St. Andrews Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.