Karen Glidden Koch

Karen Glidden Koch, 72, died on September 14, 2026. A longtime resident of Tualatin, Oregon, Karen’s life was marked by steady resilience, deep compassion, and a generosity that showed up in practical, everyday ways—through the care she offered, the causes she championed, and the loyalty she extended to the people and animals she loved.

Born June 13, 1954, Karen’s early years carried her from Illinois to California in first grade, and later to Oregon during high school. She attended Vallecito in Lafayette, CA for grade school, and graduated High School from Lakeridge in Lake Owego, OR. Her dedication to learning and building a capable, independent life continued through her studies at the University of Oregon and Portland Community College, where she trained as a Dental Assistant.

Karen brought diligence and thoughtfulness to her work, serving as an Office Administrator at Exhaust Specialties and Beaverton Toyota, and working as a Dental Assistant in multiple practices. In every role, she was known for being straightforward and honest—someone who meant what she said, and who could be counted on to do what needed to be done.

Karen never married and had no children, but she poured her love into family in a way that never required a title to be profound. She was a devoted Aunt to her four nephews: Travis, Cody, Rory, and Nicholas, holding a steady place in their lives with a kind-hearted presence and a fierce, enduring care and support.

At home, Karen found joy in her rose garden and yard, and she had a soft spot for all dogs and cats. She often took in stray neighborhood cats, and over the years shared her life with multiple dogs. She leaves behind Tika, who remains in the family—a continuing reminder of Karen’s tender heart and the comfort she found in loyal companionship.

Karen also knew how to seek out sunlight and celebration. She loved the sun and retreated most often to Puerto Vallarta. Beyond that, she embraced the open sea, cruising with Royal Caribbean more than 59 times. She was especially proud and excited to reach “Pinnacle” status—an achievement that reflected her enthusiasm for travel and her determination to savor life fully.

Her generosity extended well beyond her own circle. Karen hosted and put on multiple car shows to raise money and awareness for the missing child Kyron Horman, and later for the Make A Wish foundation. She was a big donor to Make A Wish for many years, and she loved traveling the Northwest with her car club—building friendships along the way, whether on the road or across the oceans.

Those who knew Karen best understood the full, honest shape of her personality: a very big heart, paired with a delivery that, as one close friend put it, could come across “a bit prickly” at times. Karen was extremely traditional in her values and actions, and she carried herself with a directness that came from conviction. Beneath that firmness lived a thoughtful spirit—one that cared deeply, gave freely, and stayed steady through life’s changes.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Karen’s neighbors who were a huge help throughout the years looking after Karen and her home (Mary, Gary, and Tammy to name a few), and to Laila with Make A Wish foundation, as well as the many friends Karen met through cruising, the car club, and along the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Young's Funeral Home, 11831 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, OR 97223, US, on October 17, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Karen will be remembered for her compassionate nature, her thoughtful generosity, her resilience, and the enduring way she showed up—sometimes bluntly, always sincerely—for the people, places, and causes she believed in.