Karen Michelle Southwood

On Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, at 4:20 a.m., Karen Southwood a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and amazing friend, passed away, at the age of 57. Karen was born at Saint Joseph's Fairbanks Hospital on Jan. 5, 1965, to Marjorie and Fred Shields. She was raised in Anderson, Alaska, and attended Anderson High School. She had several jobs threw out her career including bartender, park ranger at Denali National Park, Anderson mayor, safety official and mail clerk at Clear Space Station. She married her best friend and soulmate, Carl Southwood, in 2004. They were both enjoying their retirement as of 2018. Karen's true life calling was being a first responder. She was on the road anytime a call came over the radio so that she could fulfill that passion. Her legacy will be remembered by her willingness to help every person that she came into contact with or that required medical attention. She showed the selflessness and grace that her family and friends knew was at the core of Karen's being. She exemplified the compassion and sacrifice that gave us hope for our humanity. She had a profound ability to increase the quality of life for those lucky enough to aquatint her. She will forever be loved and missed. A celebration of life will be held at the Anderson Volunteer Fire Department on July 22, 2023