Karen Poulsen

Beloved Mother, Nana, Sister and Friend, Karen H. Poulsen passed away Friday, February 17, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Sandy, Utah, to Emerson Stewart and Margaret Irene Nowell Hand December 12, 1940.

Our mother was greater than the definition of the word. Selfless, she sacrificed her needs and wants for those of her children and grandchildren. She lived for her children which brought her great joy. She would often tell us, "How did I get so lucky?" She made her children feel special with a consuming love. Mom was an incredible inspiration of love, persistence, and generosity.

Being an amazing mother prepared her to be the best Nana ever to her grandchildren. They enjoyed frequent tea parties at Nana's house; they loved going to visit her. She instilled a love of family history in them with stories of her own childhood. She also sewed many Halloween costumes and blankets for her grandchildren.

Karen grew up in Little Cottonwood Canyon and spent her days playing in the creek and making forts; the canyon was her playground. She loved adventure, snow skiing at Alta, rafting through Cataract Canyon, camping, and traveling. Paris, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, St. Thomas, Hawaii, and salmon fishing in Alaska were just a few of the locations she visited. She enjoyed volunteering and was an active member of the Women's Auxiliary to the Salt Lake Dental Society.  As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she enjoyed serving many years as a Scout Den Mother to numerous young men. She loved to garden (particularly tending to her dahlias), and hosting events for family and her Dinner Belles. She loved to work with her hands and wasn't afraid to get dirty working on numerous house and garden renovations.

Karen worked to improve herself through the years and held many jobs, as a secretary, dry-wall contractor, and Real Estate Agent/Broker. She eventually settled on becoming a business owner. She relentlessly pursued her dream of building, owning, and operating a self-storage business. After several years of saving and planning, she realized this dream over 17 years ago and succeeded with 54th South Storage.

Karen graduated from Jordan High School and attended Brigham Young University.  She married Jerry Poulsen 1961-1979.

Karen is preceded in death by parents Emerson and Margaret Hand, sisters Shirley and Margaret. She is survived by sisters Susie, Lyle, Lynda, Christine; daughter Yvette (Ryan) Larsen, and sons Gary (Laura) Poulsen and Gregg (JoJuan) Poulsen, 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, as well as many beloved friends.

Funeral Services will be held March 4, 2023 at McDougal Funeral Home 4330 South Redwood Road.

Viewing 10:00AM-11:45AM

Funeral service 12:00PM-1:00PM

Interment:  Sandy City Cemetery

Our family wishes to express our gratitude to her skilled nurses and care givers, Hospice for Utah. Alissa, Sara and Archie for their compassionate care and kindness.