Karen O'Malley Mathes
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Oct 18, 1966---Jan 30, 2026

Karen O’Malley Mathes, age 59, passed away on January 30, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Karen was born  in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, and Northfield, Minnesota. From an early age, her warm smile and natural effervescence endeared her to everyone she met.

Karen graduated from Northfield High School, where she was a member of the state champion dance team and an active participant in many clubs and organizations. After graduation, Karen returned to Kansas, joined the Chi Omega sorority (same as her mom), and earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Kansas. Driven by a love of learning and personal growth, she later earned her MBA from Rockhurst University.

Family was always Karen’s greatest priority. She was a devoted wife, a loving and proud mother, and a steady, caring presence for her parents and brothers. Her greatest passion was raising her children alongside her husband, David. Karen spent countless evenings and weekends on the sidelines of baseball, soccer, and wrestling events, offering encouragement during the games and either congratulations or a comforting hug afterward. She brought the same dedication and compassion to her children’s academic, religious, and personal development and was immensely proud of the adults they have become.

Karen spent her entire professional career in the Kansas City area, first excelling in marketing and project management roles at Hallmark and Sprint. She later transitioned into healthcare, serving in leadership positions focused on membership engagement at both the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband, David Mathes; her children, Connor, Katherine, and Nicholas, who were the heart of her world; her mother, Lynne O’Malley; and her brothers, Patrick T. O’Malley (Debbie) of Wichita, Kansas and Michael O’Malley (Leah) of Austin, Texas.  She was preceded in death by her father, Patrick A. O’Malley.

Those who knew Karen will remember her warmth, her quiet strength, and her remarkable ability to make others feel genuinely cared for without ever seeking attention. She had a generous heart, a calming presence, and a deep love for her family that guided everything she did. Karen showed up steadily, thoughtfully, and wholeheartedly for those she cared about and loved.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 5-7pm at Porter Funeral Home located at 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS.  A rosary will be said at 4:45 pm.

A funeral Mass on Saturday, February 14, 2026  at 11am at Church of the Ascension located at 9510 West 127th Street, Overland Park, KS, with a private burial immediately following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The V Foundation: https://vfoundation.donordrive.com/campaign/Karen


Condolences

Anne Uhlig Feb 02, 2026

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dave and kids, I cannot express the sorrow I feel with the passing of your wife/mom. Karen B. (My sis) told me that they had been friends for over 48 years - which means she’s been my friend for just as long. I’m a few years older than my sis, and I always thought of “O’Malley” as my little sis too. I loved her beyond words. She was kind, thoughtful and ALWAYS smiling. She was a ray of sunshine. I will forever miss her. I know my sis will be there for all of you. She is going to be lost. May God spread his loving arms over you and give you comfort and peace. She will forever be watching over all of you. All my love, Anne Uhlig

Lisa Marie Abrahamson Feb 02, 2026

Sorority Sister and friend ,New York ,New York

Dear O'Malley and Mathes Family- Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of beautiful, smiling, generous, sweet, giggling and loyal Karen (aka: "O'Malley" even after marriage amongst our pledge class!). I am honored that we were Chi O's together and I am happy we were able to stay connected after so many years and a lot of geographic distance. Karen loved her family with heart and sole and was so deeply proud of everyone. She will always be remembered by friends as a gem and will greatly missed, but never forgotten! Love in Chi Omega, Lisa Marie Abrahamson

Kathi Jacobs Feb 02, 2026

Family friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Karen … was such an incredible support to her parents … especially her Mother ! God Bless Karen and her family ! Prayers for her children and husband .

Lauren Onye Feb 03, 2026

Student of Michael O’Malley ,Providence ,Rhode Island

I am praying for the O’Malley family during these times. I pray that God wraps His anointed hands around you and comforts you in every way you need. Amen.

Lisa McGlashen Feb 03, 2026

Friend & Colleague ,Bridgeville ,Delaware

Just like so many, I will miss Karen very much! I only had the opportunity of knowing her for almost 4 years but it definitely feels like much more. We made so many great memories, especially while traveling. I think the tour of San Fran in the little green coup was my favorite. We laughed so much!! But nothing beats our banter over our football teams. She loved her Chiefs! When they played the Eagles in the Super Bowl, we made some serious bets…FOOD! I’d like to think we both benefitted! I will miss so much about her; her smile, her stories, and most of all, her friendship. My life was better knowing Karen. I will miss her dearly.

Pam Beary Hurt Feb 03, 2026

Friend ,Birmingham ,Michigan

Dear Dave, Connor, Kate and Nick- Karen was my sister Karen Dunsmore’s dearest friend. We had to call her by her last name because there were so many Karen’s (and one Deanne!) And through that friendship, I knew O’Malley to be a kind, generous, loving woman who was also a wonderful wife, mother and friend. She will be greatly missed by so many. Please know that we are praying for her and for you all. Rely on each other and your faith as she would have wanted. May your soul now rest in the peace of Christ Karen. Pam

Mike Gomez Feb 10, 2026

Friend ,ROELAND PARK ,Kansas

Dave and family, I am heartbroken to learn that Karen has passed. We forged our friendship while working at Hallmark Cards together. We shared a love of running, friends, and life. While going through a rough patch of life Karen's smile and thoughtfulness helped to carry me through. While we lost touch over the years after Hallmark, Karen always had a special place in my heart. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to all of you.

Kris Mangiaracina Feb 12, 2026

co-worker ,Lenexa ,Kansas

My deepest sympathy to Karen's family and friends. I worked with Karen many years ago at Hallmark and just loved her. She was a delight to be around and her smile lit up a room. I can only imagine what a wonderful wife and mother she became.

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Porter Funeral Home
Address:
8535 Monrovia Street
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Feb 13, 2026
Time:
5:00 PM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Church of the Ascension
Address:
9510 West 127th Street
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66213
Date:
Feb 14, 2026
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map