With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of Karen Sue Lyons, mother, sister, wife, and friend, who left us on April 13, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on May 24, 1944, in Peru, Indiana, Karen was the daughter of Wayne and Dorothy (Haines) Shafer. 

Karen lived a full life, moving to Florida in the early 1960s and settling in various communities, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Lakeland, Plant City, and finally Punta Gorda, where she truly planted her roots. After graduating from Peru High School in 1962, she demonstrated her tenacity and dedication to learning by earning her Associate's Degree in Business Accounting from Broward Community College in 1982 and later a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Tampa College in 1994.

A career woman at heart, Karen spent 30 years working as an accountant before transitioning into sales and marketing. Her time as a marketing director for the Herald Tribune in Charlotte County and her ventures in real estate showcased her dynamic talents and indomitable spirit. A proud member of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce since 2005 and the Historical Preservation Advisory Board of the City of Punta Gorda, Karen's contributions to her community were genuinely heartfelt.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Karen was an avid gardener, receiving her Master Gardener certificate in the early 1990s. She found immense joy in quilting and, most importantly, in fostering and adopting countless dogs, puppies, kittens, and cats. Her legacy of compassion for animals will live on through the many creatures she cared for.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Robin (Reed) Testerman Cambron (Russell); her stepdaughter, Kathryn Marie (Lyons) McNish (Albert); her stepson, Roy Lyons Jr.; her brothers, Terry Shafer and Steven Shafer (deceased); and her grandchildren, Sean Testerman (Jennifer), Kelly (Testerman) Layne (Matt), and step-granddaughter Maggie (Cambron) Pittman (Ben). She also leaves behind six great grandchildren. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Dr. Roy E. Lyons, who preceded her in death.

Her family invites you to join them in commemorating Karen's life. A memorial service will be held at the Life Celebration Center of Punta Gorda on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Karen's name to the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County on their website https://www.awlshelter.org/ or by check to: AWL, 3519 Drance Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33980 (Karen Lyons on the memo line), an organization that honored her lifelong love of animals.

As we say goodbye to Karen, let us remember the laughter and the lessons she shared with each of us.