Karen Selm DeMarse

Karen Selma DeMarse, 56, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at her home in Holbrook. Funeral services will be for family members only. The community is invited to a celebration of Karen's life at 12 noon today (Oct. 7) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Holbrook. The celebration will include a lunch and slide show of Karen's life. Karen was born Sept. 1, 1958. She spent her whole life in Holbrook. After graduating from Holbrook High School, Karen and her mom, Corlyn DeMarse, started the First Step Workshop for mentally challenged adults. Karen worked hard to help her mom make First Step Workshop successful and it is still in operation today. Survivors include Karen's mom, Corlyn DeMarse; her siblings, Corene Johnson, Marty DeMarse and Carol Greer; 11 nieces and nephews; and 15 great-nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Donald DeMarse, and her brother, Dr. Corwin DeMarse. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Holbrook was in charge of the arrangements.