Karen Haywood

Karen Marie Haywood (nee Einspahr), Passed away on August 6, 2024 in Denver, CO, at the age of 66 years. Born on September 19, 1957, in Fullerton, CA, she was a beacon of joy and love in her family, in her neighborhood, and in her church community.

Karen was a cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. She graduated from Heritage High School, in Littleton, CO, in 1975, and received her BS in Nutrition and Food Sciences from CSU, Fort Collins, in 1986. She married her beloved William P. Haywood on February 20, 1988 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Denver, marking the beginning of a shared life that was filled with love, laughter, and two beautiful children.

Karen is survived by her husband of 36 years, Bill Haywood, her son Parker E. Haywood, of Denver, her daughter Thea E. Haywood, of Denver, her mother Ardele B. Martinez, of Palmdale, CA, two sisters, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews.

Karen leaves a legacy of kindness, friendliness, good humor, and patience. She had a calm and gentle nature. She was deeply committed to her church community. She enjoyed good food and loved to cook and feed her family and friends. She loved pickleball, the outdoors, hiking, camping, game nights, travel, and was tireless in her pursuit of the perfect cocktail.

Karen loved life and fought ferociously until the end, when she succumbed to cancer and was welcomed into the eternal embrace of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her presence on Earth will be deeply missed.

Services to honor and celebrate the life of Karen will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, located at 700 S. Franklin St., Denver, CO, 80209. A reception will be held immediately following the service.