Karen Lynn Olson Johnson

Karen Lynn Olson Johnson, 74, of California's Santa Ynez Valley, died peacefully at home, held in the love and pride of her family. In recent years, she met complex health challenges with her trademark optimism, strength, and determination.

Born to Tobin and Lorraine Johnson, Karen grew up in Bakersfield, California, graduating from Bakersfield High School before earning a sociology degree from Pitzer College and a teaching credential from California State University, Bakersfield. After a brief career in social work, she found her calling as an elementary school teacher in Kern County.

A lifelong educator, avid reader, and devoted gardener, Karen inspired those around her to notice the small wonders of life and to care deeply for the natural world. Her curiosity was matched by her compassion—she met people with openness and understanding, especially those who struggled to find the same in the world. Service to others came naturally to her, expressed through volunteer work, philanthropy, and a lifetime of quiet kindnesses. That same generous spirit filled her home, which was a joyful mix of creativity and care, alive with plants, the occasional rescued critter, shelves of books, and art projects made from the twigs, feathers, and stones she gathered on her walks.

She shared many adventures with her husband, George Johnson, through their travels and joint endeavors, always eager to try something new together. Her playful and daring side often appeared in more ordinary moments—she was known to hop on a playground swing or a skateboard well into retirement. Karen loved cooking and tinkering with recipes, an enduring lesson to her family that one need not be good at a hobby to take joy in it. She was devoted to her Pilates practice and even more so to the friends who would meet for coffee afterward. She remained deeply invested in her daughters' lives, loving them not only for who they were but for the worlds they loved.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents, Tobin and Lorraine; her baby brother, David; and George's children Mark and Inga. She is survived by her daughters, Anne and Emily; her grandchild, Roz; George's sons Rick and Lars; and many beloved friends and extended family members, both given and chosen.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on October 30, 2025, at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Meadow Revitalization Project at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden. Karen's family also encourages you to spend time in nature with a young person in her memory.

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