Karen Lund Caldwell, 55, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, after a stroke. Though her departure was sudden and heart-wrenching, she was surrounded in her final moments by the unwavering love and care of her devoted husband, David; her sister, Kelly; and her two sons, John and Grey.

Karen was born on March 28, 1969, to John and Virginia (Jennie) Lund. Raised in Charlotte, she thrived in academics and embraced her passion for swimming, all while forming an inseparable bond with her older sister, Kelly. After graduating from East Mecklenburg High School in 1987, she went on to study industrial relations at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she also earned a master’s degree in social work.

In 1997, Karen married the love of her life, David, and together they had two sons, John and Grey, of whom she was extremely proud. Karen was a wonderful wife and mother whose humor, spirit, and tenacity will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Karen was known for her compassion towards others, and her work reflected a lifelong commitment to caring for people. She worked as a social worker for Mecklenburg County, a preschool director at her church through the YMCA, and a receptionist and bookkeeper at Coddle Creek Elementary School. She cherished her co-workers, who in turn cherished her. Each year, she spent hours handwriting notes of appreciation to every person she worked with to make sure they knew how much they were appreciated. She always went the extra mile to make something special for someone she cared about. Her beaming presence touched many, and she couldn’t go anywhere in Mooresville without a smiling child, parent, or co-worker coming up to say hello.

Her commitment extended beyond her professional life to her faith community. She had been a member of Fair View United Methodist Church for nearly three decades. She served on various committees, volunteered at Vacation Bible School, and most recently, served as Church Council Secretary.

Karen found joy in the simple pleasures of life: daily walks around the neighborhood (a walkie-walkie, she called it), reading a book in the yard, cheering for the Braves with David, indulging her sweet tooth, and cuddling with her dog, Fletcher, who was her clear favorite in the family. She enjoyed attending numerous classes at church over the years, most recently a Monday night prayer group with David. She was a determined woman both inside and outside of work, making daily to-do lists, and always achieving what she set out to do. Despite knowing seemingly everyone in town, she was relatively reserved. However, if she let you in, even for a moment, you felt remarkably special.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Virginia (Jennie) Lund, and is survived by her husband, David; their sons, John and Grey; her sister, Kelly Furr; her stepmother, Pam Lund; and her beloved dogs, Fletcher and Larry.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at Fair View United Methodist Church, located at 1430 Mecklenburg Hwy., Mooresville, on September 7, 2024, at 3 p.m, immediately followed by a reception at the church. All are welcome to come together to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Fair View United Methodist Church (fairviewumc.org) or to the American Stroke Association (stroke.org).

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Caldwell family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.