Karen Anna Koch Obituary (1939 - 2021)

To view Karen's Memorial Service, please CLICK HERE Independent, strong willed, courageous, empathetic, and kind, Karen Koch has been a staple to Sun City, Oro Valley for 25 years. She was resilient, graceful, and brave as she battled cancer for two and a half years. Karen A. Koch 82, passed away on March 8th 2021 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Chicago, IL where she met her loving husband Donald Koch. While living in Palatine, IL they adopted their son, Kristian Koch from South Korea. Shortly after they chose to expand their family with two beautiful twins Noel Nguyen and Nicole Koch from Saigon, Vietnam. Donald was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, the family moved to Littleton, CO as the altitude was known to slow down the disease. He had a long battle and passed away in 1988. Her son, Kris lost his life in 2009 and she is now joined in Heaven with her loved ones. Karen retired and moved to Tucson, AZ in 1995. She was very active in the Sun City, Oro Valley Social Clubs (Emerge, Mahjong, Line Dancing, Ladies Singles, SCOV Hiking Club, Golf, Coffee Group, Yoga, Energetic Exercise, Card Club, Travel Club, Emerge, Day Trippers, architecture and review, posse, and more). She had many amazing lifelong friendships that were filled with laughter, adventures, and love. Karen also supported many charities and volunteered at many caring centers. She was often looking out for her friends, family, and neighbors. The void that she will leave will be a tremendous one, but the memories and adventures will never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed. In the end, the quality of her life was rich with friendships, family, and love. Her network of support was truly a testament to her kindness and caring nature. Those of us that were blessed to have known her are far better off than if we had not. She will continue to look in on her friends and family. She asked that each of you grieve if you must but try to remember the love and friendships that were shared. Try to laugh as much as possible, celebrate her and life to the fullest, and live each day like it is your best day ever. She was survived by her children and grandchildren/great grandchildren and son-in-law's (Noel Nguyen, Nicole Koch, Keyana Merrick, Malea Dolan, Dylan Koch, Kai Newgaard, Landon Dolan, Sterling Dolan, Patrick Schmidt, Peter Merrick, and Samuel Dolan).