Karen Riley Olson

Karen Riley Olson, 89, of Boca Raton passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024.

Karen was the beloved firstborn child of Mona and Harold Riley, and sister to H.P. (Pat) Riley. As a child in Beaumont, Texas, Karen was a friend to many. She was active in Camp Fire Girls, school theater at Beaumont High and Melody Maids. She had a beautiful voice and once performed at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City! She earned a BS degree from Rice Institute (now University) in Houston, where she met John Olson, who would become the love of her life and partner in a sixty-six year marriage.

While raising their two daughters and managing a home, Karen continued her education and career. She taught in public school, earned master’s degrees in Education and Biology, and became an adjunct professor at Lamar Institute of Technology (now University). Karen was always supportive of John’s career, which required relocating the family from time to time. After their move from Texas to Florida, Karen put her keen mind to work serving as Utilities Coordinator for the Palm Beach County Engineer’s office, and later as an Outside Plant Engineer for Bell South. John’s career at IBM eventually took them to North Carolina, where Karen enjoyed being a homemaker and seamstress extraordinaire. Her specialty was machine-stitched embroidery of her own designs. Upon returning to Boca Raton to be closer to family, Karen and John reconnected with old friends and made new ones at St. Andrews Estates South.

Always a firm believer in contributing to her community, Karen volunteered everywhere she lived. She visited nursing home residents and was a leader for her daughters’ Camp Fire Girls groups in Texas. Karen and John were active members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowships in Texas, Florida and North Carolina, where Karen could be found helping with the welcoming committee and children’s activities. In Florida, Karen served on the board of the South Palm Beach and Broward County Planned Parenthood and the Royal Palm Audubon Society. She was a ten-year volunteer at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and was active in promoting the original Palm Beach County bond issue that resulted in the creation of many Palm Beach County Natural Areas.

Karen was known among her friends and family as a gracious hostess. Good conversation, delicious food and fine wine flowed at their many parties. The Olsons’ signature event was their annual Groundhog Day Eve party, (Karen’s invention) which included a tongue-in-cheek incantation for the groundhog to come out early and miss his shadow!

In addition to her grieving husband John, Karen leaves two loving daughters, Rev. Corinna (Cori) Olson of Lake Worth Beach and Sabrina Carle, and son-in-law Randy Carle of Boynton Beach. She was beloved “Gamma” to grandchildren Scott Carle and Melanie Austin. The family is grateful for the special care given by Luisa and Florence, and to the staff at WillowBrooke Court, who lovingly helped Karen and her family navigate the Alzheimer’s journey.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 27 at 4 p.m.  Wine reception to follow.

The Chapel at St. Andrews Estates South

6045 Verde Trail South

Boca Raton, FL 33433

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