Karen Hollen died of natural causes at Advocate Condell Hospital in Libertyville, IL on December 31, 2021. Karen Sue Cavanah was born in New Boston Township, Mercer County, Illinois on July 8, 1937. She was the firstborn child of Ella Mae (Rice) and Cecil Allan Cavanah. The oldest of her generation, Karen opened a pathway toward exploring education and life for her siblings, Jack Allan Cavanah (Marjorie Roth) and Harriet Cavanah Dart (Roger) and many Rice and Cavanah cousins.

Both as an employee and a volunteer, Karen contributed to many individuals, churches, and organizations during her eight decades on earth. In addition to participating in the Shakespearian plays presented by the cadets at Roosevelt Military Academy, she enjoyed ensemble and choral groups at Aledo High School and Christian College, now Columbia College of Missouri, where she received an Associate of Arts degree.

Karen married Charles Hollen in September 1959. They were married for twelve years and had no children. During this time, Karen received a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1969.  A long-time resident of Michigan, Karen served many years as a trustworthy Court Reporter for Judge Jessica Cooper in the District and Circuit Courts of Oakland County.

After retiring from the court, Karen became the House Director for the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority at the University of Michigan where she provided hospitality and guidance into university life and the sisterhood for many young women for nearly a decade.  She was also a generous mentor for other women who became House Directors in Ann Arbor and was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor. She continued to enjoy and appreciate the travel, music, and theater productions available through both Universities.

Choosing to move closer to family, Karen became the House Director of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority at the University of Iowa for several years. Karen enjoyed the learning opportunities provided through Elderhostel and Road Scholar programs, both domestically and abroad. She liked to travel, discover new experiences, and develop companionships, which eventually led her to relocate to St. Simons Island, Georgia in 2016.  There she was active with St. Simons Island Presbyterian Church, the Literary Guild, and continued volunteer work in service to others.

In 2020, the COVID-19 had its impact on Karen's health, and she returned to be near family in Illinois and lived at Sunrise Senior Living in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, where staff and residents appreciated her kind and gentle spirit.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her brother Jack Cavanah of Granger, Iowa and sister, Harriet Dart of Deerfield, Illinois. Nieces and nephews also survive her: Heather Dart of Chicago, IL, Cathy Pearson (Thad) of Ft Wayne, IN, Keith Dart, Deerfield, IL, and Clint Cavanah (Lisa), Granger, IA.

On August 13 at 10:30 am, an in-person memorial service will be held following the interment of her ashes at the 1 ^st Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, MI. Check the church website https://www.firstpresbyterian.org/ for the link to the live-streamed video which will also be available on its YouTube channel for a limited period of time: ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi4UFJ0Spvowsk7EnVXs6CQ ).

Services of remembrance and markers to honor Karen will also be at the St. Simons Island Presbyterian Church and Columbia College where Karen left a significant gift as a member of the St Clair Society. Any gift in memory of Karen may be made to the any of the above or the charity of your choice.