Karen Hensen
August 12, 1965 – April 4, 2025
Karen Hensen was born in Anaheim, California on August 12, 1965. She died in Smiths Station, Alabama on April 4, 2025, at the age of 59.
Karen was an Army Veteran, working as a Veterinary Food Inspector for 10 years. After leaving the service, she gained her bachelor’s degree from Columbus State University and her master’s degree from Troy State University and went on to work in public education. Karen worked in the Russell County School District for 20 years, teaching at Oliver Elementary and Russell County Middle School. After retiring, she worked for two additional years as a Math Collaborative instructor at Columbus State University.
Karen found joy in the simple things in life: going to the beach with her husband and granddaughters, travelling with her best friend and sisters, creating beautiful pottery, and tending to her herb garden which she loved sharing with others. She loved experiencing and appreciating different cultures, such as visiting the Taj Mahal in India which was a lifelong goal she achieved.
Karen (Nana) has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and countless others whose lives were touched by her. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Karen is survived by her husband of 34 years, Neal Hensen; her daughter and son-in-law, Jasmine and Jordan Fonville; her granddaughters, Audrey and Natalie Fonville; her brother and her sister-in-law, John and Sharlene Delaney; her sister and brother-in-law, Angela and Tim Henslee; her sister, Jo Anne Price; her sister, Cindy Paschal; her best friend of 32 years, Lupita Escobar; longtime coworkers of 22 years, Carolyn Kirkland and Cynthia Manderson; and friend, Karen Collins. She is preceded in death by her father, John Paschal; and her mother, Catherine Lane.
Arrangements for Karen Hensen will be held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, 1801 Frederick Rd Suite A Opelika AL 36801, on Saturday May 3, 2025 at 1pm CST.