Karen Elizabeth Crichfield
Karen Elizabeth Crichfield (née, Lyons), a lifelong equestrian, died unexpectedly on June 12, 2020, at the age of 73, while pursuing her passion for horseback riding.
Karen is survived by her husband, Doug Crichfield; her children Rob Lowe, Andrea Brennan, Heather Crichfield, and Paul Crichfield. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Rachael and Jake Lowe, Lucas and Mason Brennan, Isabella and Mathilde Fúster-Crichfield, and Claire and George Crichfield.
In Boston, Massachusetts, Karen was born on July 29, 1946, to Marie Keefe Lyons and Paul James Lyons. Karen spent her childhood in Scituate, Massachusetts, and continued to raise her children on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Professionally, she worked for many years in the banking and mortgage industries and most recently applied that knowledge to residential real estate. Besides Massachusetts, she has also lived in several other beautiful locations, including Dunbarton, New Hampshire; Vail, Colorado; and Temecula, California. She always had a love for the beach, ocean, and mountains, especially Vail and the island of Nantucket, which were among her favorite places in the world.
Karen had many passions that guided her through her life, starting with her incredible love of family. She shared her genuine optimism, enthusiasm for life, and love for laughter with her family and friends. Her life was filled with a great fondness for animals, especially her equine, feline, and canine loves. She had an excellent talent for interior design, which reflected her warmth and welcoming spirit. She had a love of life and aspired to succeed in whatever she set her mind to.
Her loss will leave an enormous hole in many hearts. Everyone who remembers her is asked to raise a glass to celebrate her vibrant love of life. Her life, in no small degree centered around Friesian, Saddlebred, and Morgan horses; Wire-haired Fox Terriers, and cats. Please consider an act of kindness for an animal in need, in Karen’s memory.
Flowers are not being accepted by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following organizations.
• American Fox Terrier Rescue (AFTR) www.foxterrierrescue.net
• Colorado Horse Rescue in Longmont, CO www.chr.org
Services will be private.
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I met Karen about 2.5 years ago… my thoughts, WOW she rides like she is one with her horse. Being the ‘newbe’ I was, I loved her advice and because of that advice became more confident with my goofy mare. I admired her love and commitment and devotion to her riding and most of all her beautiful horse. I am honored to have met her and hope my prayers for her family can offer some comfort, she was strong, she was driven, something I respect. I will always remember Karen and her beautiful horse literally ‘dancing’ together. An amazing site to see. RIP and heaven help the horses, she will certainly be in charge.
I will always cherish my friendship with Karen. She was one of the first people I met when I started boarding my horse at Berry Creek. She welcomed me with open arms, and so began a 20+ year friendship. My most fond memories will always be of our rides together here at my ranch where Karen boarded her horses before buying her ranch in Eagle. We would explore so many places! We got ourselves into several tight spots where we had to back out, all the while laughing.
She was a mentor, and always a straight shooter. She had an infectious smile and I love that she never lost her Mass. accent!
In my minds eye I still see her on her horse Affie, as we rode through my back pasture, with her dogs running up ahead, a big smile on her face, and laughter in her voice. Rest easy my good, dear friend.
It has been many years since I have seen Karen, but our days of young motherhood is fondly remembered with laughter and joy. The many joyful parties through high school and our young married years will always bring a smile to my heart. My deepest sympathies are sent to all her family And most especially to her precious children. Prayers for God’s grace and peace to you all. May her love ,
live in your hearts always, sincerely , Andrea Hunt.
My fondest memory of Karen was almost every morning or afternoon she would ride over to our side of the farm from the Kingsway and say hello to me and my boy, we would chat about nothing or something. She was so friendly, I always looked forward to her riding over. She loved her horse and her family and friends so much. Rest In Peace my dear and kind friend. This picture was her and her hubby at my going away party.
Oh my..this is definately a huge loss for her family and friends..I knew Karen and Doug when we showed horses together in N.H. She made showing so much fun..and I learned not to take things so seriously..from there we connected again in Vail..My oldest son lived out there after college. That is where he met his wife..they have since moved back here and are tearing up the slopes at sugarloaf..
I know this is a long way of saying thank you for being my friend and rest well my friend..My condolences to Doug and her family.