Karen Ruth (Dunlavy) Bosworth

Karen Bosworth passed away peacefully at her home in Geyserville on March 15, 2024.

Born and raised in Healdsburg, Karen was the daughter of a local doctor and nurse, Kenneth, and Ruth Dunlavy.

With a love of science, Karen graduated from University of the Pacific in 1962 where she was a member of sorority Delta Gamma. She then went to work in San Francisco at Southern Pacific Memorial Hospital as a medical technologist until she was introduced to Harry Bosworth, of Geyserville, on a blind date in 1966 and they were married the following year.

In 1968 they bought the local hardware store, then a small ranch and started a family. After a few years of trying to "live on love," Karen went back to work as laboratory technician at the Healdsburg family practice of Grace, Neal, and Wellock, where she worked for close to 20 years. She then transferred to Healdsburg Hospital and occasionally covered shifts at Palm Drive Hospital in Sebastopol. After retiring, she enjoyed pouring wine in both Geyser Peak and Silver Oak's tasting rooms.

Karen was a devoted mother to her two daughters Rachel and Gretchen, and with the arrival of her granddaughters, Morgan and Amy, Karen happily retired to help with their care.

Karen tried many hobbies and participated in many activities: She collected carnival glass, she taught Sunday school, she enjoyed photography and took classes at the SRJC, she played with the Geyserville Mickeys coed softball team, and loved her monthly dominoes matches with friends.

Karen was very active in her community and especially with support for healthcare or public education. She was a past president of the Geyserville Chamber of Commerce and member of the Geyserville Community Foundation and Historical Society. She served on the boards of Alliance Medical Center and the Healthcare Foundation, as well as the Geyserville school board, Sonoma County Committee on school district organization and over 20 years as a trustee of the Sonoma County Board of Education.

Karen is survived by her daughters Rachel (Dean Prat) and Gretchen (Brian Crebs), her granddaughters Morgan and Amy Crebs, her brother Norman (Peachie) Dunlavy and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Harry Bosworth.

A celebration of Karen's life will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 11:30am at Catelli's Restaurant in Geyserville.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alexander Valley Healthcare.

Published in Healdsburg Tribune · April 1, 2024