Karen Holly Gavin, age 67 of Woodbury, Minnesota died May 18, 2022. Karen was born on July 20, 1954 in Macon, Georgia; the daughter of Arthur and Jessie (Perry) Shelly. Although she lived in a couple different places growing up, she graduated from Edina High School. Following this, she would further her education at the University of Wisconsin- River Falls where she received a bachelor’s degree in education. She received more than a degree. She would meet the love of her life, another student at the University. June 5, 1976 she would walk down the aisle and share their vows at the Colonial Church in Edina, Minnesota with Gerald ‘Jerry’ Patrick Gavin. This unit would be further blessed with three children.

She was a homemaker through and through. Everything about her was family. Although she could be demanding as she set high expectations for her children, she cherished them and was very proud of them. In fact, she loved all children. She loved the genuine innocence of a child, their desire to learn, and their playful demeanor. For 5 years, she worked out of their home as a daycare provider creating The Sunshine Kids Daycare. After her work in daycare she decided to focus on her family well-being and retire.

From her memories as a small child with her father, she absolutely looked forward to going to Disney World and seeing her children’s eyes light up when they got to see the Magic Kingdom. The family went to Disney several times over her life as it never got old to her or them. Furthermore, they always bought the value pack trips to the Science Museum, Minnesota Zoo, Children’s Museum and Valleyfair. She loved having family and friends over as entertaining guests brought her great joy. She appreciated the beauty of a song bird and watching them at the feeders. She always looked forward to Friday night movies with her family with tubs of popcorn and cozy blankets. She had great fun on family bike rides around town. Many will remember Karen for her bubbly, energetic and personable demeanor. She will be remembered by her husband Gerald; children Jessica (Jonathan) Englund of Cottage Grove, Johnathan (Emily Pletscher) Gavin of Saint Paul, Joseph Gavin of South Saint Paul; grandchildren Jonny, Josephine, Otto; and her siblings Guy and Doug Shelley. She is preceded by her parents and sister Gretchen Bergquist. The celebration of her life will be Thursday from 5pm until 8pm with a prayer service at 7:30 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of River Falls. Burial will be at the Saint Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. Memorial and funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Homes of River Falls