Mostly Clear, 60° F
Karen Elizabeth McCreery, 72, passed away on Jan. 20, 2024, at her home in Cody, Wyoming.
She was born Oct. 17, 1951, in Spokane, Washington, to John Edward Paisley and Arlyne Jane (Coughlin) Paisley. Karen was married to Alvin “Al” Lorn McCreery on Aug. 22, 1970, in Cody.
Karen was the third child of a family of eight children. She was born into a devout Christian family and attended Catholic school through her freshman year in high school in Spokane. Her family moved to Cody when she was fifteen and she graduated from Cody High School in 1970. She supported her large family through high school by working and helping with her younger siblings at home. To this day, they still see Karen as a mother figure who was always there for them when they needed it the most, throughout their lives.
It was during a high school dance where she met and fell in love with Al. Karen knew quickly he was the one she wanted to be with, and a little over a year later they were married. They shared their joy of dancing for many years, constantly inspiring people with their moves on the dance floor. After Karen and Al were married they lived in Laramie in order for Al to finish his studies at the University of Wyoming.
They moved back to the Big Horn Basin for Al to work in the oil fields and lived in several communities before finally settling in Cody. Their first child, Scott, was born in Thermopolis in 1971 and their second child, Kathy, was born in Worland in 1973. They lived in Powell for a few years before moving to Cody.
Karen was truly a person with an enormous heart, earning the love and respect from her family, friends and communities. She helped countless people solve mundane and complex issues over a distinguished 36-year career, first as a field representative and then as state director for Sens. Al Simpson and Mike Enzi. Karen was a passionate and dedicated civil servant, serving people from all walks of life and truly making a difference in their lives.
She especially loved traveling and representing the senators throughout the state of Wyoming. Karen formed many deep friendships that she maintained throughout her career and was seen for her commitment, hard work and compassion. She felt honored to be in a position to help people and never wavered to do all that she could for the senators’ constituents. Karen had great admiration for both Al Simpson and Mike Enzi and became dear friends with them and their families.
She had great pride in Cody and was a member of the Republican Women, the PEO, and was an announcer during the parades for many years. Karen was also a masterful cook and baker and made countless wedding cakes for people around the area. For many years she helped feed the family by tending to her big garden. She enjoyed supporting many local artists, taking the boat out with her family, and loved to go to Yellowstone Park.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Arlyne Paisley and her husband, Al McCreery. Karen is survived by her two children, Scott McCreery and Kathy (Tim) Mahieu, her three grandchildren Grace Mahieu, Gus Mahieu and Nick McCreery; by her seven siblings, Audrey Paisley, Janice Connors, Joe Paisley, Mike Paisley, Paul Paisley, Mary Sell and Tom Paisley, and their extended families; and numerous beloved family members and friends.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Ballard Funeral Home at 636 19th St., Cody, Wyoming, on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 at 2 p.m. followed by a reception at The Colonel at 1328 Beck Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cody Medical Foundation at 1108 14th Street, #422, Cody, Wyoming.
Memories and condolences can be shared on Karen’s memorial page at BallardFH.com.
