Karen was born in Denver, daughter to Geraldine and Herman Urban. She attended Denver schools and graduated in 1980. Later she met her first husband, a career military man, and gave birth to her daughter Rachel in 1989. Karen enjoyed painting, her cats and being around family and friends. In 1993 Karen was diagnosed with MS and braved it for 24 years, during 14 of which she was confined to a wheel chair. Karen’s beautiful smile and her love for her friends and life touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. Even though she was in pain, she never complained, accepted her fate and was an example of courage and inspiration to everyone. On July 23, 2016, Karen lost her brave fight and joined her mother with God. Karen passed on with her devoted husband of 13 years Charles by her side, with whom she enveloped in her love. She was his life, love and salvation.
Karen is preceded in death by mother Geraldine, and survived by father Hermon and wife Betty, Daughter Rachel Trujillo and husband Mark, and her 3 grandchildren, Mark JR, Linnea and Jasmine. Also her 2 sisters Bernadette Byrd of Atlanta, GA, and Susan Byrd of Jacksonville, FL.
There will be a funeral mass on Aug. 9th at 10am at St. Mary’s church on 5th St. in Rifle Colorado.