Karen Oldham

Karen Ann Oldham (Owens), 79, of Erie, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2021 surrounded by loving family. Karen was born in Toledo, Ohio on July 10, 1942 to Florence Marie (Klein) and Paul Samuel Owens.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by husband Joseph Raymond Oldham. She will be deeply missed by daughter Susan Marie and son Joseph Paul; brothers Robert and William; sisters-in-law Bonnie and Judith; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Karen had two small children when she was diagnosed with cancer. She prayed, “Please let me live long enough to raise my children.” Karen survived and devoted her life to her family, friends, work, Church, community and her children.

Karen supported her school-aged children as a Brownie Leader and Den Mother. She was there for class trips, dance lessons and moral support. Carving out time for activities with her children was always a priority no matter how busy she was with work and life.

Karen inspired her children by graduating with honors with a degree from the University of Toledo. She began her career at Prestolite Electric Inc. as a secretary and retired as the Director of Human Resources.

Karen also enjoyed bike riding, bowling, sewing and quilting. She was a world traveler and enjoyed adventuring with family and friends. Karen and husband ‘Ray’ enjoyed working the poker and bingo games at church festivals as well as boating and playing cards.

With love, kindness, generosity, and humor, Karen made the most of the years since she survived cancer. She lived, loved, nurtured, taught, inspired, volunteered, laughed and raised her children.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 10 - 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church in Assumption, Ohio. A mass will be held at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Donations to Michigan Humane may be made in memory of Karen at michiganhumane.org