Obituary of Karen Irene Shander

Karen I. Shander was born, appropriately so, on New Year’s Eve, 1947, in Fargo, ND. She was always looking forward to what’s next with a positive but pragmatic outlook–as one often does for the New Year. She passed away on September 2, 2025.

One word that comes up repeatedly when speaking about Karen is “kind”–she was one of the kindest people you could know. But she was much more than that. She was an attentive listener, willing to share her perspective and advice, but always with your best interest at heart, never pushing any agenda. She had a great sense of humor. She loved to travel, was a prolific reader, enjoyed the theatre, and immersed herself in the worlds of art, design, and fashion. She was constantly active, actively curious, a radiant and joyful soul.

Karen received her RN from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Fargo, a BS in Health Care Administration at Metropolitan State College in Denver, and a Master's in Special Studies from University College at Denver University.

Karen’s last job was as Director of Clinical Resources at Encompass, where she was in charge of education initiatives to lower healthcare linen utilization costs while maintaining patient care. According to her boss and coworkers, Karen was an industry pioneer, a creative problem solver, always warm and professional, and a consummate team player.  She won the Clinical Consultant of the Year Award in 2003 and her efforts prompted a co-worker to comment, “Whatever success we have achieved in our relationship with [clients] is primarily due to Karen Shander." She was universally loved and respected by all who worked with her.

Karen was predeceased by her husband, David. She is survived by two step-children, Elizabeth and William, six step-grandchildren, countless friends who cherish her memory, and her three beloved cats.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m at Space Gallery (400 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204). Please use this form to let us know if you plan to attend: https://bhv.io/karen

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of these charities:

Colorado Public Radio

PO Box 17429

Denver, CO 80217-0429

Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation

1385 South Colorado Blvd, Suite 108

Denver, CO 80222

Jewish Family Service

3201 South Tamarac Drive

Denver, CO 80231

Hadassah

40 Wall Street

NY, NY 10005

MaxFund Animal Adoption Center

958 Inca Street

Denver, CO 80204

Demi’s Animal Rescue

23965 East Kettle Place

Aurora, CO 80016

Dr David and Karen Shander Endowed Scholarship Fund

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

University of Rochester Office of Gift and Donor Records

300 East River Road

Box 270032

Rochester, NY 14627