Getting to know you ... Karen Dwyer

Within a few seconds of meeting Karen Dwyer, it is easy to determine that she is full of life and certainly embraces adventure. Who would expect anything else from a gal who was born and raised in Montana?

The small town of Opportunity, Montana was blessed the day Dwyer was born. She joined a family of five; father, mother, two older brothers and an older sister. She claims being the youngest is "a much better position to be in...most of the time anyway."

Dwyer's father was a chemist, proudly earning a degree from Montana State University, who worked as a smelter superintendent. Her mother worked hard as a homemaker, raising four wonderful children and keeping ties together.

Attending Anaconda High School, Dwyer recalls activities including taking part in the school orchestra, where she played violin, took lessons in piano and organ, attending lots of dances and joining the powder puff team. She humorously addressed the rough-n-tough powder puff adventure as short lived. "I rapidly became a member of the cheer squad."

As far as athletics went, there really wasn't much offered for girls at that time, although she was part of the local girl's athletic association. Dwyer admitted how she loved sleeping in on Saturdays. So she never committed to anything that would compromise her rest.

Dwyer shared one fond memory of high school, which took place in her French class. "Since Karen isn't really a French name, I was renamed Mademoiselle Simone," she said in her best French accent.

Post high-school graduation, Dwyer attended the University of Montana for one year while studying psychology and music. But, she was hearing wedding bells in her near future, so she decided to change course a bit. She enrolled in an excelled, work-at-your-own-pace program, called Nancy Taylor's Executive Secretarial Courses.

"It involved a lot of typing, speed writing, speech, learning to walk with books on your head, and even how to do make-up," Dwyer said in disbelief, reiterating that the make-up lessons never stuck with her. As we both silently expressed gratitude that the world has progressed, she stated the time frame of this undertaking was 1968-1969.

"He made me laugh so hard my cheeks hurt, I had to look away and rest them," Dwyer said rubbing her face, addressing the admiration she felt toward her soon-to-be husband. They had met through mutual friends and were married for 23 years. Together they have four "awesome" children, five granddaughters and one great-grandson.

"My greatest joy in life is they are all good citizens, have good hearts and they are all hilarious!" the proud mother stated, placing emphasis on the "hilarious." Her two daughters reside in Spokane Washington, one son lives in San Diego and one just outside of Thompson Falls, Montana.

In 1982, Dwyer moved to Thompson Falls and began her career as Sanders County Public Health Program Coordinator. She remained at that job for 32 years and retired only three weeks ago. She describes her retirement as "bittersweet," but, "I just knew it was time. I liked how the job changed all the time. New babies were born, new people moved in and grew older, and nutrition and immunization requirements always changed."

Woolworth's Dime Store, in Anaconda, Montana, was Dwyer's first employer at the age of 17 years.

She had moved on to babysitting, working at the University of Montana library. Then, perhaps her favorite job of all, she spent 3 years as a seasonal potato inspector in Lake County.

"Lake County is a disease-free seed potato area," Dwyer explained. She passed along instruction on how she had to dip her feet in a solution upon entering the workplace to kill any contaminants. Potatoes would bobble as they moved along a conveyor belt while workers sorted them, not allowing too many "pee-wees" or "bakers" to get through. "Before the seed potatoes got in the truck, I took a bucket and determined how many had rot or hollow-heart. I then filled out paperwork," she described. "That was so fun!" she said with delight.

Many residents of Sanders County know Dwyer for her dedication to volunteering and community service.

She spent 16 years, 2000 – 2016, supporting the American Cancer Society, serving as chair for some of this time and organizing Sanders County Relay for Life. The remembrance evoked a fondness for Daffodil Days, as this time was enjoyable for her.

"My kids did a lot in 4-H, and then they graduated. But I kept having fun with it!" Dwyer is a prominent volunteer who provides a strong backbone for Sanders County 4-H operations. Her dedication to the program is eminent; you can see her dedication by observing her Subaru's 4-H logoed license plate. "I do it because it is fun. Kids are so fun and so smart," she said reflecting on the 27 years she has been involved. "I am just trying to take care of people's souls and nourish them to become leaders."

The time has come for Dwyer to take care of her own soul. Even though she retired from her job with the county, she is an adventurous person and will not be happy sitting still.

She has plans...big plans. Dwyer will continue to enrich her life with her deep loves. These include contributing to 4-H, travelling, music, reading and exercising her duty as a Licensed Pastoral Associate (LPA).

Every other year Dwyer visits Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where she has a timeshare resort on the ocean. "I do not regret my timeshare, unlike a lot of people. I love the people there, it is a poor county where many work for tips only, no wages, but they are happy," she commented. The beautiful countryside and churches and the sounds of the ocean keep bringing her back.

Her enjoyment might have something to do with fulfilling her wild side as well. "I am crazy, but it is so fun!" she revealed that she also spends time ziplining, parasailing and repelling during her vacations to Cabo. "I will take a risk doing these things, but not a Tilt-A-Whirl," she shared, addressing the time her daughter took her on the ride and it made her "turn green."

Throughout the years music has been a big part of Dwyer's life. "My sister said I could carry a tune before I could talk," she laughed envisioning herself humming "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" in her crib. She has contributed to community theatre performances, Valley Strings, Sweet Adeline's, hand bells at church and even met the train once on Mother's Day to perform. Dwyer guarantees that music will continue to play a key role in her life.

Making sense of the world has begged Dwyer to search for answers. "So many books, so little time," she claims. Her library is mostly filled with crime and courtroom mysteries, but also research and science on the brain, nutrition and the body, psychology and human behavior, and all kinds of religion.

"I love to write, so maybe I am saving up information for a novel," she hinted.

About two years ago Dwyer earned licensure as a Pastoral Associate. She was encouraged by a "fascination with the history (of Lutheran religion) and wanting to know more and experience my spiritual being." Not only did she find answers to these inquires, but she also commented that a highlight was learning how to put together an actual church service. She has officiated multiple services at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Thompson Falls and at First Lutheran Church in Plains, Montana.

The most important aspect of her religion is, "Everyone is welcome at our table. No matter what beliefs they live by." She made it very clear that we should all strive to be at peace and love our neighbors, no matter what.

Good thing for Dwyer church services are on Sundays. She claims she still loves sleeping in on Saturdays.