Karen Jo Nilsen

Karen Jo (Bock) Nilsen Passed away November 7, 2022 in her home surrounded by loved ones. Karen

valiantly battled cancer for over a year.

Karen was born on October 21, 1953 to Charles and Joanne Bock. Her family lived on farm

country near the towns of Fowler and Selma in the central San Joaquin Valley of California.

Karen attended Indianola school for her elementary and middle school grade levels. Starting at

at a very early age she was an avid reader of books. She graduated from Selma Union High

School.

Karen developed a deep sense of advocacy for the disadvantaged that inspired a professional

career. One farm worker housing community made a lasting impression on her. She rode the

school bus by it every day and was shocked by its dilapidated condition. This made her want to

go into social work to help the disadvantaged. Following school, Karen began working for

Fresno County social services. It was around this time that she met her husband Norman

Nilsen. Their courting was very brief and they married in Carmel. Karen began working for the

city of Santa Clara, where she had many responsibilities, one of which was to organize and

promote Silicon Valley '86, Santa Clara's first technology convention. Karen and Norm had their

first child, a son they named Morgan. After a year in Saratoga, the family bought a home in Ben

Lomond, a small town in the Santa Cruz mountains. There at that new home, their second child

was born, a daughter they named Hillary.

Karen next worked for the city of Monterey. With the help of another she then created a grant

research, acquisition and management consulting practice: Nilsen, Trudeau and Associates. It

was through this organization that many homes and buildings were repaired from the Loma

Prieta earthquake of 1989, including the Palomar Hotel in downtown Santa Cruz.

During her consulting days, Karen created and opened the Village Book Cafe in Scotts Valley.

Her love of reading made the bookstore a perfect fit. During this time Karen's husband passed

away from illness.

After two years of grieving, Karen reunited with her high school sweetheart Kevin Bollin. Another

two years later she brought her book buying experience to help and manage the Friends of

Santa Cruz State Parks Bookstore and gift shop.

Later, Karen worked for the County of Monterey doing grant writing for affordable housing. After

this work, she started another consulting practice, Nilsen and Associates. This new practice

researched, managed and wrote grants for the purpose of improving water and wastewater

facilities for disadvantaged communities, including the San Jerardo Cooperative, a housing

community in Salinas, California. Nilsen and Associates continued to seek, find and manage

grants for disadvantaged communities throughout Monterey County.

Karen had many interests that she actively pursued. One joy was baking. Every year she made

more batches of cookies than the last and gave most away to loved ones. Almost as famously

she was known as a lover of books. With a dog or two by her side, she often read a book a day

and Science Fiction was her specialty. Her house was filled from floor to ceiling in books, even

the furniture reflected her obsession for new ideas and knowledge. She also contributed her

time and money to causes in which she believed.

Karen is survived by her loving life partner Kevin Bollin, her son Morgan, daughter-in-law

Carolina, two grandchildren Nicolas and Mateo, daughter Hillary and son-in-law Daniel, brother

Stephen, brother Bryan and sister-in-law Michelle. Her memory is loved and respected by many

friends, clients and co-workers.

Karen has had her ashes interred beneath a redwood tree in the Better Place Memorial Forest

in Santa Cruz County with her close family in attendance. A Celebration of Life will be held at

Valencia Hall, January 28th. All are welcome to come to the Celebration. For more information,

contact Hillary Nilsen at (831) 566-1840.

Published in Press Banner · January 10, 2023