Karen Ward Daley

1963 — 2023

Karen Ward Daley, 60, of Auburn, California, passed away on October 15th, 2023. She was born on September 24th, 1963, at the Highland Hospital in Auburn, California. Karen was a beloved daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend.

Karen is survived by her loving parents, Richard and Sonja Ward, husband Tom Daley; siblings Gerald Best, Jonathan Best, and Sara Connor; and children Darren Daley and Christina Daley. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, aunt and uncle Ellen & Chuck Moore, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and spouses. Karen’s warm presence and caring nature touched the lives of many.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Richard and Frances Ward and George and Maye Keil, and her brother, Nicholas Best. She was also preceded in death by her niece, Becky Best, and nephews, Jason Best and Dan Best. Memories of Karen will forever be cherished by those who loved her.

Karen had an outgoing and energetic personality. Growing up in Auburn, she enjoyed riding her bicycle and joining in community activities. She participated in Auburn holiday parades, twirling a baton and riding her bicycle decorated with streamers. She enjoyed swimming and completed advanced courses at the Auburn Recreation Park, including diving and water safety classes. She had a rich childhood filled with activities, outings, camping, and many gatherings with her family, cousins, and friends. Karen attended Rock Creek Elementary School and then Forest Lake Christian School. In the 7th grade, she met her best friend Lia Carotta, and the two started a lifelong friendship. They enjoyed being in plays and musicals and doing creative projects together. Karen was a loyal and supportive friend to Lia for over 40 years.

When Karen was 14, the family moved to Downieville, CA, a small town located in the Tahoe National Forest. There, she attended Downieville High School, where she was a cheerleader and joined the softball team, the ski club, and the yearbook staff. Karen’s adventurous personality and love of outdoor activities grew in the small mountain town. In her teen years, much of her free time was spent fishing, swimming in the river, skiing, snowmobiling, and riding her motorcycle. Karen loved her motorcycle! In her senior yearbook, Karen was noted as always saying, “I can’t start my bike!” She graduated in 1981 in a class of 12.

After leaving Downieville, Karen married and raised two children. The majority of her career was spent in the financial field and included bookkeeping, accounting, and tax preparation positions. She continued to enjoy many activities with her family, attending all the local festivals and going to her children’s softball and soccer games. She enjoyed thrift shopping, going to the river, camping, beachcombing, music, and traveling. She had a passion for creativity and loved doing many arts and crafts. Karen took great pleasure in creating scarecrows for the annual Auburn Harvest Festival. Her scarecrows won several prizes over the years. She enjoyed dressing up and going to Renaissance fairs, decorating gourds, participating in community events, crafting, and experimenting with recipes. She always arranged family gatherings on birthdays, holidays, and at local events. Karen’s artistic talents and sociable nature brought joy and amusement to her family and friends.

Karen’s artistic mind often had a humorous nature. In 1999, she had an idea for a larger-than-life April Fool’s joke for the town of Auburn. She collaborated with her friend, Lia, to execute the project. A huge pair of men’s boxer shorts were made. In the wee hours of the morning on April 1st, the boxers were used to dress Dr. Fox’s man in chains statue. As the town awoke and began their day, drivers on Auburn Ravine Road began to notice the newly dressed statue, clad in heart-covered boxers, and a “Happy April Fool’s Day” greeting. The project brought a smile and laugh to the community and made it to the front page of the Auburn Journal newspaper.

A private family memorial will be planned to honor Karen’s life and to celebrate the happy memories she created. The details of the ceremony will be shared with her loved ones.

Karen Ward Daley will be deeply missed, but the memories of her love, generosity, humor, and kindness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in peace.