Karen Ann Andrews, 53, of Westminster, passed away on Friday, June 28th, 2019 at her home in Westminster, Colorado. A memorial service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, July 20th, at the Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W. 32nd Avenue, Golden, CO. Karen was born on September 19th, 1966 in Denver, Colorado. Nine days later she was adopted by James Warren and Nancy Jean (Bailey) Andrews. Karen was a creative youth who excelled in art and drama. She graduated in 1985 from Golden High School in Golden, CO, followed by a year studying art at the Scuola Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy. She went on to receive her B.A. degree in 1991, from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1992, she returned to Italy for another summer, studying art at the estate of La Cipressia in Montagnana, Italy. Karen characterized these experiences, especially her time at St. John’s, as transformative and inspiring, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of intellectual and spiritual transformation. With a zeal for knowledge and education, Karen went on to get a Masters of Fine Arts/Visual Arts degree from the University of Denver in 2008, and a Master’s in Library Science online degree in 2014, from Texas Women’s College in Denton, TX. Karen married Andrew Alan Sheldon in Denver, CO in 1994. They lived for years in a charming house on Lincoln Avenue in Denver, CO, raising two children, Audrey and Graham. There, Karen developed a number of strong relationships in the community, especially with families whose children attended Lincoln Elementary Montessori School in Denver with Audrey and Graham. Indeed, many of those relationships have remained strong over the years. In 2010, the family moved to Westminster. For Karen, besides being an artist at her very core, she also worked as a librarian. Karen first worked at the University of Denver library, then later at the Smoky Hill Public library, and most recently at the Lafayette Public Library where she became Manager of Program Outreach. Library work was extremely important to Karen, being a venue where she cultivated meaningful relationships with fellow employees and developed impactful programs for the general public. Karen had a fun-loving exuberance for life, which could delightfully bubble out of control at times, bringing joy to all those around her. Her sense of purpose, compassion, and unwavering hope in the face of life’s many challenges is nothing short of inspirational. She will be dearly missed by friends and family. Karen is survived by her parents Warren and Nancy Andrews of Golden, her brother Bradford Andrews of Tacoma, her husband Andy Sheldon, and two beloved children, Audrey and Graham Sheldon.
In memory of Karen, donations may be made to the following organizations:
- Dress for Success – Providing at-risk women with job readiness tools, professional attire and post-employment support to assist them in their efforts to achieve economic self-sufficiency. https://denver.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donate/
- American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html
Please share thoughts, memories, and condolences by posting comments on this page (https://www.thenaturalfuneral.com/karen-andrews/).
Your light has brightened many lives and your legacy will live on through those whom you’ve inspired. I pray for comfort for your family and loved ones.
I was always glad to see Karen during my many visits to the library. I could count on her to be friendly, helpful and kind. She was a bright spot in our community and I will truly miss her. She really made the world a better place.
I only just learned of Karen’s passing. It is devastating that her life was cut so short and that Graham and Audrey lost their mother. It is equally heartbreaking for her parents and Andy. It sounds like she handled it with unbelievable bravery and admirable independence. I am still so sorry to have heard this news.
I miss Karen regularly. She knows it.
She does. I feel Karen’s spirit with me also.
I met Karen when she was 8 years old. Karen lived two houses down the street from me. I was a painfully shy 5-year-old. I do not remember how Karen came into my life (I am guessing some intervention); but Karen was an extreme blessing to me. Karen showed me the beauty and adventure of the Outdoors and Nature… – in addition to her love of animals, art, and crafting. Karen opened a door to a world I did not know… Karen gave me confidence and made a difference in my life for certain. I feel forever indebted to Karen. I work to pay it forward.
I am heartbroken to hear of Karen’s passing. I also went through breast cancer – as well as one of my best childhood friends who also grew up in the neighborhood.
Thank you Karen for your love, friendship and mentorship. I am certain you are now an Angel.