Karena Lynch

June 13, 1973 – June 22, 2024

Remembering Karena Lynch: A Life Beautifully Lived

The world feels a little less bright today as we mourn the loss of Karena Lynch, who passed away peacefully at home on June 22, 2024, at the age of 51. While ovarian cancer may have ultimately led her from our embrace, it never dimmed the radiant spirit that defined Karena’s life.

Born in Denver, Colorado, on June 13, 1973, Karena was the cherished daughter of David Larsen and Joanne Shaheen. She spent her early years in Denver before relocating to Fort Collins in 1991 to pursue her education at Colorado State University. In 1996, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, laying the groundwork for an accomplished career in various fields.

Karena was very driven and focused, which led to a fulfilling career path, beginning as a counselor at Excelsior Youth Home, where she offered guidance and support to young girls navigating life’s complexities. Her professional journey took her and her husband Steve from Denver to Colorado Springs, where her talents shone through in various roles at MCI. In 2003, Karena’s career path led her and Steve to Washington state, where Karena thrived for over a decade at Microsoft, ultimately becoming a Group Program Manager. Never one to rest on her laurels, she embraced new horizons in 2014, taking a sabbatical to travel before gracing Point B with her expertise, retiring in 2020 as a Market 1:1 Director.

Karena was a passionate traveler, always eager to discover new destinations and immerse herself in different cultures. Her travels took her to over 30 countries, each trip meticulously planned, resulting in treasured memories that would stay with her forever. She loved learning about the less commonly known histories of places she visited, and she would often reflect and recall a tidbit she learned while on a trip. She also valued driving tours that enabled her to uncover hidden gems away from popular tourist paths.  If there was a choice to include a part of the trip that involved driving from one destination to another, she always made sure it was done.  She loved stopping in tiny towns that were off the beaten track to see the less touristed destinations while travelling.

Two of Karena’s favorite trips were centered around animals. In 2013, she and Steve traveled to Peru and Ecuador, where they stayed along the Amazon River and explored the Galapagos Islands by boat. In Peru, Karena was thrilled to see wild monkeys and birds, and enjoyed fishing for piranhas. However, she wasn’t as fond of the tarantulas, snakes, and giant wasps. During their Galapagos adventure, she delighted in snorkeling with seals, hammerhead sharks, and stingrays, and fell in love with the giant tortoises.

In 2017, Karena and Steve visited Africa. In Botswana, she was captivated by the sight of hippos, lions, zebras, and giraffes. Karena loved hearing the hippos honking at night. The highlight of her trip, however, was witnessing wild dogs in Zambia. She was lucky enough to watch a pack of wild dogs playing in a river before they were chased away by a lion. Additionally, she loved the exhilarating experience of swimming in “the Devil’s Pool” at the top of Victoria Falls, which was outside her comfort zone but an opportunity she couldn’t resist.

Karena found joy in outdoor activities, especially mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and paddle boarding. Her dedication to a healthy lifestyle was clear, evident in the numerous marathons she completed and the tranquility she found in yoga and swimming. However, despite her active lifestyle, Karena most treasured quiet evenings at home with loved ones and pets, sharing laughter over board games, card games, and puzzles – a reflection of her love for both challenge and connection.

Animals held a special place in Karena’s heart. She and Steve opened their home and hearts to a succession of furry companions: Baloo, the boxer; Anna, the boxer-lab mix; Ming Ming, the wise old cat; Luke, the Plott Hound; and finally, Hank, the Boxer-Lab mix puppy who brought solace and joy during Karena’s illness. Hank kept Karena active, even on her toughest days during her battle with cancer, and his presence motivated her to focus on staying as healthy as possible. Each pet left paw prints on her soul, a testament to the depth of her compassion.

Those fortunate enough to have known Karena were touched by her unwavering strength, her infectious smile, and her genuine kindness. Even in the face of adversity, her light shone brightly, reminding us to embrace life fully and without reservation. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and adventure that will forever inspire us to be better, to live brighter, and to love deeper.

Karena is survived by her devoted husband, Steve Lynch; her loving father, David Larsen; and her cherished sister, Gayle Larsen. She was preceded in death by her mother, Joanne Shaheen.

Karena’s vibrant spirit, warmth, and enthusiasm for life will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was so kind, so caring, so calm, so supportive, and truly a joy to spend time with. 

Though she may be gone from our sight, her memory will forever burn bright in our hearts. A memorial service to celebrate Karena’s extraordinary life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to OCRA (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance) in her honor, so that others may have the chance to live life as fully and vibrantly as she did.

We will carry you with us always, Karena. You will forever guide our steps, reminding us to find joy in every sunrise and strength in every challenge. Rest in peace, dear soul.