Karen D. Shockey *
Karen was born at White Cross Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Lawrence Alan and Elda Ruth (Ayers) Shockey on March 5, 1948 and passed away at Smith‘s Mill Health Campus in New Albany, Ohio on February 8, 2021. Karen graduated from North High School in 1966 and attended The Ohio State University. She was employed for 30+ years with the State of Ohio, Department of Comprehensive Employment & Training (CETA), current name Job & Family Services. She retired in 2001. Karen provided care for her mother at their home in Columbus for several years prior to Elda’s death in 2004. She had a wide circle of friends and loved animals (especially cats) and music. Her professional career was technical, but she was essentially artistic and spiritual, a follower of Tibetan Buddhism and an active member and co-founder of the Shambhala Columbus Meditation Group of Ohio. She traveled extensively to attend Buddhist training sessions and was given the Tibetan name Emerald Lioness. Her creative talents were exhibited by participating and creating Ikebana, Japanese Culture flower arrangements. She was a member of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana and Ikebana International Chapter 84 of Columbus. Many of her flower arrangements were exhibited at the Franklin Park Conservatory. She was an enthusiastic participant in family life, hosting Kentucky Derby and New Year Day parties, never forgetting family birthdays and special occasions. Her macaroni and cheese dish was legendary. Karen was the beloved aunt of Alana Rae Shockey (Matt) Mele and Kathryn Ruth (Rick) Wood. She was great aunt to Kai Shockey Mele, Lila Rae Mele, and Olivia Ruth Wood, all of New Albany. She is survived by her sister, Dr. Linda Shockey, Reading, England; brother, Thomas Shockey and sister-in-law, Dr. Susan Shockey, New Albany, Ohio. First cousins, the Chenko family: John Lee Chenko (deceased), Susan (Roger) Scott, Sarah (Chris) Chenko, and Yollan (Samuel, deceased) Little and the Shockey family including John (Marian) Shockey (both deceased), Daniel (Dorothy (Dot) Shockey, and Elizabeth Ann (Norman, deceased) Feichter and many second cousins and friends, and family friend, Judith Kitchen. No public services will be held at this time. Memorial remembrances should be sent to the Shambala Meditation Group of Columbus. The mailing address is SMCC, 4495 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214 or PayPal Link at Columbus.shambhala.org
Published in The Columbus Dispatch from Feb. 11 to Feb. 13, 2021.