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Karen Wilson passed away at her home in Pukalani, Maui, on September 4, 2024, just a little more than two months after the passing of her husband, Rick Wilson.
She is survived by her son Lee (Adri), grandsons Reyn and Rhys, her brother Mike Woodhouse (Susan) and her brother-in-law Charlie Wilson (Julie Miguel).
Karen was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1945 to William Mitchell and Ruth (Shaw) Woodhouse. She graduated from Pittsford High School where she enjoyed sports and cheerleading. She received a bachelor's degree and two teaching certificates from Michigan State University.
Although her future husband Rick attended the same high school, and he delivered her family's newspaper for years, it wasn't until a college summer break that they connected over a song playing on the jukebox in a local bar. They were married for 55 years.
Karen and Rick moved to Maui in 1978. In addition to helping Rick operate their residential construction company, Ironwood Development, for 43 years, Karen worked a variety of jobs from retail to real estate.
Karen's true passion was people. When not talking to, thinking of or caring for family, she spent her time catching up with old acquaintances and making new friends. She knew the names, schools and occupations of everyone's children and grandchildren, and enjoyed sharing news of her own.
She made many friends while playing duplicate bridge. For nearly 30 years she coordinated the weekly play of the Pukalani Bridge Club, ensuring players had partners, tables had clean linens, and at Christmas each player had a poinsettia plant to take home.
Karen was also an avid quilter and enjoyed gifting her handmade creations to family and friends.
Karen's family will hold private services and politely declines flowers and donations.