Karen S. (Blockcolsky) Denny

The family of Karen S. (Blockcolsky) Denny are saddened to announce that on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Karen lost her fight with ALS, shortly after her 58th birthday. She was a loving daughter, sister and mother who brought life to her community and invested heavily in those around her.

Karen was born November 11, 1965, in Maryville, AZ to William Blockcolsky and Valeda DeWitt Blockcolsky. In 1974 Karen moved to Fairbanks, Alaska with her parents and two brothers Douglas and Brian. Karen graduated with honors from West Valley High School in 1983 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Fairbanks, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Karen’s adventurous side prompted her to travel to Arizona to pursue her master’s degree in education; to Japan to teach English; and to the southern part of Alaska teaching elementary school in Manokotak, Alaska. It was during her years in the southern part of Alaska that Karen had her two older children, Tristan and Brinae. In 2000 Karen moved to Palmer, where she had her third child, Evan. Since moving to Palmer, Karen joined the Mat-Su School District holding various positions, but the position that she held the longest and loved the most was in the position of Librarian for Shaw Elementary School.

Karen strongly loved and cared for the people in her life. She had passion for education, art, the Lord, and for human beings. In the most recent years Karen became an accomplished artist and was very involved in the Pastel Society of Alaska. Karen’s work was exhibited at the International Association of Pastel Societies 2022 World Exhibition.

Karen is preceded in death by her father, William Blockcolsky and her brother, Brian Blockcolsky.

Karen is survived by her mother Valeda DeWitt Blockcolsky; brother Douglas Blockcolsky; three children: Tristan Denny (Olivia), Brinae Denny, and Evan Denny; and her Soul Sister Cindy Benford (Dennis); Nephew Kamryn Blockcolsky (Rebecca); and great nieces Reya, Sophia, and Payton; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on December 3, 2023, at 2:00 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 440 E Elmwood Avenue, Palmer, AK 99645.

If you would like to send flowers or express your condolences, please send them to: 9887 E Manna Dr., Palmer, AK 99645. As an alternative, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of Karen’s recommendation: ALS Charity (healingals.org), Chessed Alaska (everydaychessed.org), or Pastel Society Alaska (alaskapastel.com).

To the friends and family of Karen, however distant, we express our deepest condolences. To those that aided her in any way in her fight against ALS, we would like to express our most profound gratitude. Your help and kindness allowed her to spend a few more days amongst her loved ones on this earth. It is our hope that you are at peace knowing that Karen is no longer suffering and is in a better place, with her creator.