Karen Oldfield was born in 1948 in eastern Colorado. Due to kidney failure, she died on Dec. 8, in Cheyenne, Wyo.
Karen grew up in Lamar, Colo., with her parents and three sisters. There she grew into an honor student, a member of student government, a pep club president and an award-winning gymnast. After graduating from high school, she went on to receive her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado. While finishing her Master’s, she met the love of her life, Joe Oldfield. Joining Joe where he lived and taught in Rock Springs, Wyo., in 1972, she built a family, teaching career and non-profit that provided services to people with disabilities.
Karen was a community builder, bringing people together to solve problems and love each other. She called herself a “people person,” and those who had the privilege of knowing her would agree. She truly was a beacon of light, guiding those who crossed her path toward the joy of living and the love of Jesus Christ.
Karen is survived by two daughters, one granddaughter, three sisters, numerous nieces and nephews and the love that she gave to the world. Her memory will live on in this love she gave to us all. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks friends and family to give to St. Jude’s Hospital.
