Karen Denise Broderick

Karen Denise Broderick passed away peacefully at her home on July 14, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. She was 53 years old. Karen was born in Kodiak, Alaska to Judy and C.E. "Red" Drake. She grew up in Littleton, Colorado and rural Douglas County and attended Heritage High School and Arapahoe Community College. Karen was an accomplished opera singer, church soloist, and appeared in over thirty musicals, plays and stage productions to include local performances at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center as well as the Burbank Studios television production "Class of 65". Her beautiful voice resonates deeply in our hearts and continues to bring comfort and solace into our lives. In 1979, Karen married her high school sweetheart, James Broderick. For 32 years they shared a profound and wonderful love together, raising sons Brian, Matthew, and Brandon. Karen's genuine and sincere nature afforded her a successful real estate career working with several area builders where she connected families with their dream homes. As the oldest sister in the family, Karen was always there for her siblings in good times and bad. She was a compassionate and loving sister with a beautiful smile. She will be dearly missed. Karen was a wonderful and selfless mother who placed her family first. Her connection to her sons was powerful and deep; guided by her faith she instilled important life values and nurtured their love of life.
We will always remember Karen for her joyous laughter, wit, sense of humor, compassion and deep love for her husband, family, and friends. She is survived by her spouse, Jim and sons, Brian fiance, Sabrina, Matthew Jessica, and Brandon; her granddaughter, Livia; her mother and father, Judy and "Red" Drake; two sisters, Dawn Pozek and Wendy Denton; and brothers Rick and Steve Drake. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 26th, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church located at 5450 S. Lemay, Fort Collins. Following the service a reception will be held in Seton Hall where the family will present a tribute celebrating Karen. During this time everyone is encouraged to share memories of Karen's wonderful life. Food will be provided through the gracious ministry of the parish. Contributions can be made to the Poudre Valley Cancer Center through the Karen Denise Broderick Memorial Fund in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Please direct condolences to Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive Fort Collins, CO 80524 in care of Karen Broderick.