Karen Karolich Phillips

Karen Phillips, age 72, died shortly after being diagnosed with a rare, aggressive and painful cancer just a few weeks earlier. Having grown up in Illinois, Karen was a long-time Colorado resident where she loved the mountains, hiking and camping. A devoted mother to her son Forrest, who has a disability, Karen was also his advocate, while Forrest was in school and as an adult. Immediately when diagnosed, Karen's full attention went to securing a good future for Forrest.

Karen was a good and loyal friend. She was always willing to help friends with anything: rides, company, weeding other people's gardens and even helping in the middle of the night with friends who were ailing. Astrology was one of Karen's passions because it helped her understand what made people tick. She regularly and generously offered readings for people who might be struggling with something in hopes that it might give some useful insights. Committed to self reflection and personal growth, Karen was part of a small Longmont community of friends who met twice a month to practice communication methods to improve empathy.

Karen had several interesting jobs in her life, including being a Mountain Bell/US WEST Telephone Operator, Telephone Installer, Cable Splicer, and Special Services Installer. She was one of the first women to learn to climb telephone poles in her assigned territory in the foothills. She owned and operated a restaurant/bakery “Cream of the Crop” in Niwot, Colorado for several years. Most recently she was a Para-Educator in SVVSD working with students with special needs. After retirement she was a behind-the-wheel instructor with SVVSD's Drivers Education Program.

Karen was a very kind-hearted, empathetic person. Before she passed, Karen was volunteering for many community and good political causes. These include being a Court Appointed Special Advocate for two young people, serving meals at the shelter for HOPE, serving on the City of Longmont's Housing and Services Advisory Board, being on the HOA board of her condo development, and recently being part of a group of concerned community members who were trying to address the growing needs of people who are experiencing homelessness in Longmont.

Karen was active politically as a member of Longmont Area Democrats and of the Democratic Women of Boulder County. She was an Area Coordinator and Precinct Leader for the Boulder County Democratic Party where she was also an active member of the Field Leadership Action Group and Executive Committee. Karen was “All In” for supporting progressive Longmont action/campaigns for a variety of issues that aligned with her values of compassion, equity, justice and respect.

Karen liked driving and taking road trips with her son Forrest, friends or alone. She had an affinity for maps and directions. She also liked 1000 piece puzzles—which she could complete in 1-2 days with Forrest. An amazing gardener, Karen brought beauty to her condo complex. She was a fabulous baker, especially at Christmas when she baked many varieties of cookies. Last Christmas she baked 35 dozen to share with family and friends all over the country.

Karen was a Neil Young fan with “Heart of Gold” being her favorite song. This aptly describes Karen's big and precious heart. She is survived by her Son Forrest Phillips Longmont Colorado, Her Brother Robert Karolich of Lexington Kentucky, Sister in Law Daun Karolich, and Niece Jamie Karolich Bakersville, North Carolina. A celebration of Karen's life will be Saturday, May 7, at 11:00 AM at the New Church of Boulder Valley in Lafayette. All are welcome.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Phillips family.