Karen Kearns

POCATELLO-Karen Elizabeth Kearns passed peacefully March 21, 2012, after a courageous battle trying to recover from a heart attack and anoxic brain injury. Karen was born August 28, 1965 in Omaha, Nebraska and moved to Boise, Idaho with her parents and brothers in 1973. She graduated from Borah High School in 1983 and then accepted a scholarship to attend Idaho State University. Karen received her Bachelor of Arts degree from ISU in 1987, after which, she began work at the famous Huntington Research Library in San Marino, California. While at the Huntington, Karen became Curator for Western and Women's History until 1997, where she organized numerous historical exhibitions, most notably the one on the women's suffrage movement. While at the Huntington, she also completed her Masters of Library Science from the University of Kentucky in 1990. In 1997 Karen returned to Pocatello and Idaho State University, wishing to raise her beautiful daughter, Emma, closer to her extended family in Idaho. Karen assumed the position as Head of Special Collections and University Archivist at ISU while serving as a fully tenured Associate Professor. Karen's crowning glory was found in her daughter, Emma. A model parent, Karen raised Emma with the best amounts love, discipline, and friendship that any child could wish for. Emma's interest in dance led Karen to become a fully supportive "dance mom" through which the two of them enjoyed a ten year association with the Dana Smith Dance Studio. Karen was preceded in death by both her paternal and maternal grandparents. Karen is survived by her daughter, Emma, Pocatello; her parents, Dr. Rick and Linda Kearns, Pocatello; her brother Christopher and family, Cathy (Myer), Sydney and McKenzie, Boise; brother Gregory and family, Keri (Fletcher), Brenden, Aaron, and Jenna, Pocatello. After family graveside services at Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello, a celebration of Karen's life will be held for her friends and colleagues at the Rosewood Reception Center and Gathering Place, 1499 Bannock Highway, Pocatello, from 3:00pm to 6:30pm on March 27, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the "Benefit Fund for Emma Kearns." Donations can be made at any ISU Credit Union.