Karen Ann McAlister
Karen Ann McAlister, 76 passed away on March 11, 2020 in Eagle of brain cancer. She was the wife of Daniel A McAlister sharing 57 endearing years. Karen was born in Twin Falls Idaho in September 20, 1943 to John R Gentry and Julia Catherine Jones Gentry. Karen graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1961 and attended College of Idaho, Idaho State University and Boise State University. She received a BA Degree in History and Political Science, and in 1979 earned a degree in Education.
She worked as an administrative assistant at many locations to help her family and as a teachers aid in Boise and Idaho Falls. During her senior year at Boise State, she was an intern at the Legislator where she became attracted to the politics of our State and later held various positions in the local Democratic Party. This included working as an assistant and as a chairperson for individuals who ran for several offices. She also served for many years as Precinct 10 Chair.
Other leadership positions included the first President of the Idaho Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho, which she was instrumental in forming. She was a member on the Board of the Booth Memorial for Unwed Mothers, the Apple Blossom Club and PEO Sorority. She also was very active in the Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. In this capacity, she held many local and regional leadership positions and formed the first legislative event of churches to meet our district representatives. Karen was always dedicated in making this world a better place!
Karen loved to travel with her husband and traveled all over Europe and even to Australia. Her other loved activities included camping and backpacking in the Sawtooth with her family, gardening and discussing a good book with a cup of coffee in her Book Club (when not discussing politics) and just shopping with her sisters and friends. She deeply regretted that she was not able to vote in the November 2020 presidential election!
She is survived by her husband Daniel of 57 years, two children Michelle (Boise) and Damon and daughter-in-law Sarah Christian (Reno); two grandsons Justin (Lancaster, Ca) and Nathan at Cal Tech ; three AFS exchange students David Milligan of Australia, Matthias Shoup of Germany and Zeynep Kocabiyik Hansen of Turkey now living in Boise. Others include two sisters in Twin Falls and their husbands Kathy and Les Howells, and Vicki and Billyray Garrett. Also, three McAlister brothers-in-law and their wives, Dee and Barbara McAlister of Nampa, Darrol and Terry in Ireland and Rex in Boise and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank St Alphonsus Hospital Cancer and Hospice Teams and Spring Creek Assisted Living Center for making the journey a more loving path. Donations in her name may be made to the Idaho Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho, 100 E Warm Springs Ave, Boise, D 83712
Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at a later date due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.
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Audrey Farnsworth says
March 14, 2020 at 2:45 pmDear Dan and family,
My sincere condolences on Karen’s passing. It is s sad moment for me to as I remember her goodness towards me.God may have her as part of the Angels along my mum.
Suzy and Butch says
March 14, 2020 at 10:07 pmDear Uncle Dan, Michelle, Damon and family,
Butch and I send our condolences to you and yours. I am glad I got to see you both when you visited in September. I pray God gives you what you need as you face this new stage of life here on earth, with Aunt Karen in her new home. Sending our love and prayers.
Tom & Janet Lewis says
March 15, 2020 at 1:07 amDan and family.
So sorry to hear of Karen passing.
She was such a kind and gentle person.
P. Earlene Lamb says
March 18, 2020 at 9:08 pmI knew your beloved Karen through the District United Methodist Women. She was such a loving and fun loving person. There were no “airs” about her. She was so genuine and caring. Even though it has been years since I have seen her, I mourn at her passing. The angels rejoice to have her near. Prayers for your family during this sad time.
Sheryl Messinger says
March 20, 2020 at 7:47 pmDan and Family,
Steve and I were so sad to hear of Karen’s passing. I used to see her at the YMCA getting her exercise and had not realized she was ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Bob and Jan Gross says
March 20, 2020 at 8:10 pmDan and Family,
Bob and I were so sad to hear of Karen’s passing as we did not know she was ill. She was one the most genuine, sweetest, and kindest woman we have know. May God place his loving arms around your family during this very sad time. Dan special thoughts and prayers for you. Bob and Jan
Vicki Hartwell says
March 22, 2020 at 3:07 pmDear Dan and Family,
The P.E.O. sisters of Chapter R were so blessed to have Karen in our midst. She was an active member and often hostessed us in her home, served as an officer, and was always her sweet, gentle self. We are all enriched from having known her. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss of your beloved Karen.