- Born on: October 30, 1952
- Departed on: October 5, 2026
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Karen Joyce Hamilton
Karen Joyce Hamilton, 73, of Cedar Rapids, passed away October 5, 2026 from a sudden medical condition; her family is grateful to her healthcare team that she was able to pass peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the Dennis Donna Oldorf Hospice House.
Karen was born October 30th, 1952 in Independence, MO, the daughter of J.W. and Selma Gipson. She grew up in Independence, MO until she attended college at Northeastern Missouri State University where she met her husband Wayne Hamilton. They settled in Cedar Rapids, IA where they raised their two children.
She enjoyed a love of thrifting and collecting treasures of the past. She was an avid reader of historical fiction, especially a good romance. Karen is remembered for her dry wit and humor, her love of drawing and talent for finding beauty in the uniqueness of the human form, her love of horses and all of her pets over the years (especially Luca and Lily). She is most remembered and cherished for her ongoing journey to grow and heal with her family through the heavy stuff life puts in our path.
Karen is survived by her husband, Wayne Hamilton; children, Bryan Hamilton and Katherine (John) Shea of Cedar Rapids; grandson, Andrew Shea; siblings, Paula Strange and Mike Gipson. She is preceded in death by her parents, J.W. Gipson and Selma Gipson.
Karen was born October 30th, 1952 in Independence, MO, the daughter of J.W. and Selma Gipson. She grew up in Independence, MO until she attended college at Northeastern Missouri State University where she met her husband Wayne Hamilton. They settled in Cedar Rapids, IA where they raised their two children.
She enjoyed a love of thrifting and collecting treasures of the past. She was an avid reader of historical fiction, especially a good romance. Karen is remembered for her dry wit and humor, her love of drawing and talent for finding beauty in the uniqueness of the human form, her love of horses and all of her pets over the years (especially Luca and Lily). She is most remembered and cherished for her ongoing journey to grow and heal with her family through the heavy stuff life puts in our path.
Karen is survived by her husband, Wayne Hamilton; children, Bryan Hamilton and Katherine (John) Shea of Cedar Rapids; grandson, Andrew Shea; siblings, Paula Strange and Mike Gipson. She is preceded in death by her parents, J.W. Gipson and Selma Gipson.
