Karen Emilie Poplawski

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother Karen Emilie Poplawski passed away on December 30, 2025 surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer. She was born July 19, 1949 in Chicago to Erich and Frieda Gatzke. She moved with her family at a young age to San Gabriel, California where she attended high school. Karen had a curious mind and many interests; she took numerous courses at USC and Cal State. She married the love of her life Terry Poplawski of West Bend, WI on April 4, 1970 at Ellis Island, a commune in Los Angeles that she helped found. When their son Orion was six years old, Karen and Terry moved to Ukiah, where they have resided since September 1977. She was involved in the establishment of Project Sanctuary, a battered women's shelter and did child care for them for about a year. She started as a rural relief letter carrier at the US Post Office and worked there for a few years before handing it off to Terry, who went on to a 30 year career with the U.S.P.S. After taking classes in computer programming, Karen worked for 12 years as a computer analyst for Mervine & Palleson. She then began to pursue her interest in Feldenkrais movement. She became a certified Feldenkrais practitioner and loved working with adults and children to help them move easily and without pain. Karen offered Feldenkrais classes through the City of Ukiah’s park and recreation program right up until her last month of life.

Terry has always thought of and referred to Karen affectionately as “ Karen super!” They enjoyed a strong and loving marriage. She was a loving mother to her son Orion, creating a nurturing home with lots of opportunities to explore and learn. Friends were always welcome at her house. She started dinner clubs with friends that lasted for many years; these gave her lots of pleasure. Karen thrived on connections, and maintained many life long friendships from all periods of her life.

Karen loved to play and had many hobbies. She loved being outdoors. She was an avid gardener, growing much of her own food. In summer, you would find her out on Lake Mendocino rowing or sailing with Terry. They also explored many places together, enjoying kayaking, hiking, and biking. She had a passion for music and theater, and enjoyed many concerts and performances. She was a house manager for the Ukiah Players for many years and held many cast parties in her home. She loved to regularly visit her grandchildren Alex and Éowyn, spending many happy hours playing board games, creating art, taking walks, and camping. She loved watching them grow and explore their own interests. She especially enjoyed listening to them play music. She will always be remembered for her kindness and generosity, and the care she showed others.

Karen is survived by her husband of 55 years, Terry Poplawski, her son Orion Poplawski (Kim), and her grandchildren Alex Poplawski and Éowyn Poplawski of Boulder, Colorado, as well as sisters Marge Furman, Susan Ruth (Bill) and brothers Allan Gatzke (Kathleen) and Bruce Gatzke (Janice). A memorial service will be held at a future date. Donations in her honor can be made to https://projectsanctuary.org