Our beloved Karen Yvette Smirl Droubay passed away peacefully in her home on August 22, 2023 at the age of 82. She was born on April 10, 1941 in Salt Lake City, Utah to William Charles Smirl and Thelma LaVerne Oldroyd.

As a child, Karen loved spending summers with her grandparents in Fountain Green, Utah and Eugene, Oregon. From an early age she also loved animals of all types, and this love continued her entire life. Many stray dogs and cats found refuge in Karen’s care, and her backyard abounded with squirrels and birds that she regularly fed. She graduated from East High School in 1959, and then attended the University of Utah. On January 18, 1962 Karen married the love of her life, John Edward Droubay. They celebrated their 61st anniversary this year. Karen and John are the proud parents of three children: James William (Melissa) Droubay, Susie Yvette (Darin) Gilson, and Bradley Jon Droubay. They also adore their eight grandchildren (their “Great Eight”) and three great-grandchildren.

Karen was active throughout her life in the community. She served in PTA, Football Boosters, Cub Scouts, Primary, Young Women, The Utah Symphony Guild, and the Bonneville Women’s Golf League. Karen also had many talents, including gardening, sewing and singing. She had an uncanny knack for remembering song lyrics of the 1950’s classics. She will also be remembered for her witty sense of humor and her extraordinary kindness.

Family meant everything to Karen, and Karen meant everything to her family. She started all our best traditions, including California Beach Trips, Pilgrim-themed Thanksgivings followed by the family Greed game, Pre- Christmas, back-to-school and birthday shopping, and Memorial Day trips to Fountain Green. She also introduced us to the Christmas Elf tradition before that was even a thing. She never missed a game, performance or recital of any of her grandchildren. She was always their biggest fan. Even while struggling with dementia in her final years, she never forgot her family. And we will never forget her!

Karen is survived by her husband, John, and their three children. She also leaves behind all her grandchildren: Lindsay (James), McKenzie (Josh), Megan (Austin), Austin (Cassidy), Connor (Madison), Samuel, Jared (Ivy), and Abigail; and, her three great-grandchildren: Oakley, Hank and Etta. Karen was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 East Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT. 84121. Visitation for friends and family will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a family Graveside Service at 11:00 a.m.