We are all heartbroken by the loss of everyone’s great friend, Karen Couves, the most genuinely selfless, caring, strong, kind, loving, thoughtful person. Karen raised three amazingly strong, brilliant, motivated women who will carry on her legacy.

Karen’s girls have incurred a lot of expenses related to her unexpected, tragic passing-- Mady flew immediately to Tanzania to be with Chloe, Lauren and Brett flew immediately to Vancouver, Canada, to be with Karen’s mom, Mitch stayed in Iowa to take care of Winnie and Kadoo, and there are many expenses related to international passings. The girls will donate any excess funds to a women's shelter where Karen volunteered.

Karen passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025, on her descent from climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro…a 30-year bucket list activity that she accomplished with her daughter, Chloe.

Karen interacted with everyone in a way that made us feel like we were the most important person in her world. She had the best laugh and always knew what to say to her daughters, many, many, many friends, and all people around her.

The world has been richly blessed by Karen’s positive spirit and compassion, leaving a void that will be deeply felt for years to come.

Karen would want us to remember and embody one of her favorite phrases, “We can do hard things!”