Karen Fowler Caldwell, age 65, of Lebanon, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Hosparus Inpatient Care Center in Louisville surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on March 23, 1960 in Lebanon, Kentucky to the late Joseph Martin and Dorothy Juanita Fowler. Karen retired from Marion County High School after 34 years of dedicated service. She was an avid genealogist with a deep knowledge of Marion County and Kentucky history. She loved her time with the MCHS Young Historians Club; sharing her love for history with the younger generation and restoring old cemeteries. She found great joy in helping reunite families; especially those searching for loved ones after adoption. Her passion for connecting people was a reflection of her caring and generous heart.

She loved to garden and took great pride in her greenhouse and the beautiful flowers she nurtured. She cherished time spent with her friends, whether it was fun nights with her BUNCO girls, crafting with her school friends, shopping with her college buddies or researching with her genealogy friends. She held each of them close to her heart.

But above all, her greatest joy in life was being "Kaka." She shared a special and unique bond with each of her grandchildren, loving them in a way that made every one of them feel seen and deeply cherished. Whether it was through individual time spent together or just the simple comfort of her presence, she made each grandchild feel like they were her whole world. Her love for them was constant, unconditional, and evident in everything that she did.

Being their Kaka wasn't just something she loved; it was who she was. The memories she created and the love she gave will live on in their hearts forever.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Connie Fowler, Lisa Hoy; brother, Joe Mike Fowler.

Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Gerald Caldwell of Lebanon; two daughters, Morgan Clark (Randy) of Bardstown, Hannah Goodwin (Brandon) of Louisville; eight grandchildren, Evan, Reagan, Reed, Grant, Riley, Knox, Clay, Crew; brother, Rick Fowler (Sharon); brother-in-law, Val Hoy (Son, Eli); sister-in-law, Kathy Fowler (Children, Creed and Erika).

Also surviving are a host of nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at St. Charles Catholic Church, officiated by Father Terry Bradshaw. Inurnment to follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Bosley Funeral Home with a prayer service that will be held at 7:00 P.M., officiated by Deacon Joe Dant.