Karen D. Colwell
April 2, 1952 ~ October 21, 2013
Karen DeRose Colwell
Born April 2, 1952, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Gerald and June DeRose, Karen passed away October 21, 2013 at home surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Bob, children Michael and Leslie, her mother, June DeRose, siblings Renee (Greg) Markling and Gerald DeRose and relatives in New Jersey including aunts, uncles and cousins.
Karen moved to Littleton, Colorado in 1964. Graduating from Arapahoe High School, she worked as a paralegal secretary for the Great West Sugar Company and the Colorado Association of School Boards before completing her degree in education at Metro State College and entering the teaching profession. After teaching for three years at St. Mary’s Academy in Englewood, Karen worked as an administrative assistant at the Marathon Oil facility in Littleton.
In March 1980, Karen began her career in the Littleton Public Schools teaching at Euclid Junior High before moving to Heritage High School in the fall of 1984. During her years at Heritage she served as Head of the Business Department which later became the Career and Technical Education Department. During that time she was sponsor of the Future Business Leaders of America, taking many students to state and national competitions. Over the years, she was an inspiration to her students, many of whom entered the teaching field or majoring in accounting in college. She maintained contact with many of her students over the years.
Karen enjoyed traveling, having been to almost every state in the US, as well as most countries in Europe. She was an avid reader, loved going to the movies with friends and cherished her time at The Lodge Casino.
A memorial service celebrating Karen’s life will be held at the Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W Powers Ave, Littleton, CO 80120 on November 2, 2013. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the Littleton Public Schools Foundation, C/O Beth Best, 5776 S Crocker Street, Littleton, CO 80120, or the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance (COCA), P O Box 9216, Denver, CO 80209.
Family and friends are encouraged to share stories and photograph's of Karen here on her website. (Click appropriate tab above)
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Dear Bob, Michael and Leslie;
There are no words to express the depth of my sympathy. Karen, your Mom, was my most special forever friend and my love for her and you will continue. Thank you for sharing her with me.
Much love, Lynn
Dear Bob and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I didn't realize when I called that her time here was so short. My prayers and sympathies are with all of you. Just remember that she is now in heaven with our Lord and she is no longer in pain or suffering. Now just concentrate on what a wonderful person she was and how much she meant to you. Your memories can never be taken away from you.
Patty
Dear Bob, Leslie & Michael,
Karen was a very special lady who touched many lives. I will always remember her wonderful smile and energy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With love & sympathy,
Joan of Art
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. I can't help but smile though when I think of Karen. What a great teacher she was to so many students and her legacy will live on through them.
I am sorry to hear of Karen's passing. My prayers are with you to help get you through this sorrowful time.
Dear Bob and Family, Gerry, Renee, and June,
I am so sad to learn of Karen's passing. She was an extraordinary person so full of life and energy, humor and intelligence, and of course her peerless wit. She will be sorely missed. How fortunate that she has such a loving family, life long friends, and caring colleagues who celebrated the joys and provided support in difficult times. She touched the lives of so many people over the years, and that will surely be a lasting legacy. Her brilliant smile and sparkling eyes will always be remembered, as will her generous heart and devotion to her family.
My sincere condolences.
Best, Dave
Bob and family,
I want you to know that I have the most fond memories of working with Karen for many, many years at Heritage. The two of you, together, gave so very much so that lots of youngsters could enjoy their growing years in school. She will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Bryan
Bob,
We are saddened to hear about Karen's passing. Our deepest, most heartfelt sympathies are with you and your family at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Bob, Leslie, Michael, and extended family,
Ernie and I are so sorry to hear of Karen's passing, but know that you will be celebrating her life today and all the wonderful memories you share. I will always remember Karen's smile, laughter and how welcoming she was to every single person. May peace be with you and we send lots of prayers, light, and love for healing and remembering.
Love and Namasté,
BJ and Ernie Diller
…….I'm stunned at thinking about mrs.colwell (she let me call her Karen after I graduated high school) and with an odd feeling this evening, decided to look her up to see if she still lived near my parents in Littleton, only to find this. I totally see her dancing eyes and remember her distinctive voice and how it had been years how I stopped by to visit. Years. I wish I hadn't let so many pass by. This single teacher changed the course of my life– from a stressed out over -achieving teenager to one who started to chill out and enjoy life. I remember babysitting Michael and Leslie and of course I remember bob. I know this is a late condolence and that you may never read it, but if you do, hi -from kaylyn-and I'm so sorry to hear about your mother, your wife, and my favorite teacher who also touched my life in a huge way in one single chat with her, in her her office after school where I would go hang out before going home. I didn't stop by for years and years Karen, but I always thought about you. I don't know what happens after we die, but if you read this, thank you and I love you………