Karen Lacey — July 2, 1958 to June 28, 2024

KAREN Lacey, who was passionate about rowing and a keen supporter and fundraiser for charitable causes, passed away on Friday.

She was born at Greenford Maternity Hospital in Perivale, Greater London, on July 2, 1958, as the first of three children to proud parents Don and Jetske.

Karen’s early life was spent at the family home designed by her father in Broadstone, Dorset, before moving to Damer Gardens in Henley in 1967 and attending Holy Trinity School.

In the late Sixties the family moved to Kuwait and then to Dubai, where many adventures were had, before returning to the UK in 1971.

On their return, Karen attended Gillotts School where she enjoyed her studies, swimming and sports and made many lasting friendships.

Karen accepted a place at King James College in Henley before moving to the Berkshire College of Art and Design to study graphics under the guidance of renowned tutor John Gillard, who described her work as exemplary.

She went on to have a long and successful career as a creative copywriter, art director and video producer, working for many leading design agencies, including J Walter Thompson in London. Karen won multiple international awards for her work in the healthcare, consumer and veterinary sectors.

She was particularly proud of her work with the late Desmond Wilcox, which led her to become one of the youngest ever winners of a film festival award, selected from around 5,000 entries from 34 countries.

Rowing was a great passion and enormous part of her teenage years and beyond. During her time with local rowing clubs, Karen competed in national and international events, winning an ARA Championship medal in 1978 in the coxed quadruple sculls.

She often mentioned that these were among the happiest memories of that time in her life.

Widely travelled, Karen enjoyed visiting countries and continents, including the USA, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, India, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

She also visited Lapland by Concorde with her late mother. Her curiosity and passion for exploration lasted throughout her life and gave her great pleasure.

Karen lived in the Henley area, including her teenage years in Middle Assendon and a long and happy time in Albert Road, Henley, before moving to her last home at The Green in Middle Assendon.

She was a great host and always had a warm welcome for guests and visitors to her home. Entertaining family and friends were a pleasure for Karen.

She took great pride in her garden and loved spending time with her nephews and nieces or relaxing with her two cats, Milo and Morse, taking in the lovely view of the Chilterns from her garden. Hobbies included Nordic walking, scouring local car boot sales and attending the Rewind Festival at Temple Island Meadows every year.

In later life, Karen cared for her late mother, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s, for many years. Karen showed unwavering devotion, compassion and companionship during this often challenging period.

Coping with her own illness, she showed incredible bravery and fortitude, remaining independent up until last year when she moved to the Sanctuary care home in Watlington where she received extraordinary care and compassion in her long and brave fight with cancer.

Karen was a keen supporter and fundraiser for charitable causes, including the Anthony Nolan Trust, for which she raised funds with a tandem skydive.

Other fundraising included a quiz night in Henley town hall with Boris Johnson and a sponsored hike in Peru, both for Macmillan Cancer Support.

During her life, and particularly during her illness, Karen received amazing loyalty and support from family and her devoted friends, all of whom will greatly miss her humour, determination, love and companionship.