Karen Lewis McClure

Karen was born on April 5, 1940, to Ruth (Lewis) and John James McClure, Jr. She spent her early years in southeastern Texas and in New Orleans where she graduated from Metairie Park Country Day School in 1957. Karen went on to attend Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, earning her degree in Sociology in 1961 -– a college track she chose because it offered her the greatest freedom in selecting electives. Karen loved to learn, and she filled her college years with wide-ranging studies. She remained closely connected to Smith throughout her life, joining Smith Clubs in all the communities she called home. Her time at Smith was a deeply meaningful and enduring part of her life, and a source of lifelong friendships.

After graduating from college, Karen married and moved to the Midwest, where she began raising a family. During those early years, she devoted herself not only to her home but also to her community. She created environmental education programs for a local zoo and nature center, where she also taught, and dedicated countless hours to the Junior League, among other efforts. When the family relocated to New Orleans, Karen’s strong sense of civic duty remained unwavering. She continued her volunteer work with the Junior League, supported the local public radio station, and contributed to the development of educational programs for the newly opened Louisiana Nature Center. While still living in New Orleans, Karen also earned her master’s degree in education from the University of New Orleans – a reflection of her lifelong love of learning. During the hot New Orleans summers, her love of the outdoors drew her to Estes Park, Colorado, where she initially vacationed and later began working at a local summer camp.

Perhaps Karen’s greatest love was for the Colorado Rocky Mountains. In the mid-1980s, she moved to Denver, where she established a successful residential real estate business. True to her spirit of engagement, she became active in several community organizations, including the Rotary Club, the Colorado Mountain Club, the Tuesday Morning Class, and Ski Meisters, to name a few. Karen eventually retired to Estes Park, Colorado – a place she fondly referred to as God’s Country. True to form, she poured her time and energy into the community while fully embracing the natural beauty that surrounded her. She continued her Rotary Club affiliation and enjoyed working as a seasonal volunteer at Rocky Mountain National Park. It was in Estes Park that she met the love of her life, Dave Evans, and together they lived what her family describes as her fairy-tale ending – a true happily ever after.

Karen is survived by her husband, David Evans; her two children, John Rannells Howell (Gabriela), and Kristin Howell Blackwell (John); her brother Robert Lewis McClure (Kian); and her sister Jan Walker McClure (Michael). She was also an extra fun and deeply beloved “Nana” to her three grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

Karen will be remembered for her cheery disposition and beautiful smile, her deep love of the outdoors, her passion for learning and travel, her selfless sense of civic duty, and especially for her genuine desire to connect with those around her.

A memorial service celebrating Karen’s life will be held on September 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, with a reception to follow. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.