Karen Kay Poulson Bolin, 83, surrounded by her loving family, passed away at her residence on April 3, 2023, in Friday Harbor, Washington. She was born on November 13, 1939, in Watertown, South Dakota, the middle child of Dr. Vern Francis Poulson, DDS and Kathryn Hannah Ahern Poulson.   

   Karen was a highly accomplished individual, receiving degrees from Cottey College, University of Minnesota, and University of Iowa, where she met the love of her life, Walter F. "Bud" Bolin Jr.  Following  Bud's honorable discharge from the US Army, the couple settled in Seattle, where she completed a Postgraduate Fellowship in the Department of Speech and Hearing at the University of Washington.   

   Believing strongly that family always comes first, Karen left her career to raise their three children, Brooke, Keenan, and Ryan, who turned out to become extraordinary adults. They and their dad, Bud, will remember her constant love, remarkable understanding of the human condition, the ability to live in the present and to use her many talents to gather lifelong friends; and the unwavering support of her  family.   

   Throughout her life, Karen excelled in various pursuits, including Drama, Speech (first place in the State of South Dakota) High School Debate, Declam Competitions, and Music (vocal, flute and piccolo in high school). Most recently she sang with San Juan Singers. In college at Cottey College, she was Student Body President, a PEO member since 1960, as well as a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Minnesota and member of the President's Union Board of Governors.  Karen also climbed Mount Rainier.   

   She collected a trunk full of t-shirts from 10k races and played Club Tennis for years until she discovered her passion for rowing (and more t-shirts). After years of competitive rowing with Martha's Moms and a case of Medals she retired to row her single in the Salish sea. Several times a week, and well into her seventies, she loaded her own boat to go row and take photographs for her personal note cards. Her passion brought happiness to the whole family.   

   Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, resilience, and passion for life will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Karen is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her siblings: Richard and Carol. She leaves behind niece Kristi Pannullo, and nephews: Kent and Wade Poulson, and grandchildren: Gavin, Trevor & Avery Young and Makena Kay Bolin.   

   Remembrances may be directed to:  Cottey College  ;  Martha's Moms Masters Rowing Club  ;  Time to compete.com  (Cancer Research);  University of Minnesota (Public Research Health Sciences)  ;  University of Iowa (Speech and Hearing Department)  ; and  University of Washington (Speech & Hearing Department)  .   

   To share memories of Karen, please visit   
    www.evanschapel.com/obituary/karen-bolin  .