Karen Johnson

Karen Johnson, age 56, passed away on November 5, 2026, at Huntsman Cancer Institute following a short but fierce battle with lung cancer, just one day before her 57th birthday. She was born on November 6, 1969, in Murray, Utah, to Larry Fausett and Mary Zwahlen Fausett.

Karen grew up in Kearns, Utah, as the oldest of three children. Her childhood was filled with laughter, adventure, and memories that her family will forever cherish. Among those memories were sharing a bedroom with her sister and driving their mom crazy by constantly running in and out of the house until she finally exclaimed, "In or out!"

Some of the family's fondest memories were made camping at the Sand Dunes, riding three-wheelers, and taking turns with Dad in the dune buggy. They especially loved riding in the camper, looking out at the beautiful scenery while listening to Mom and Dad sing along to Eddie Rabbitt from the cab of the truck. Perhaps it was those cherished childhood adventures that inspired Karen's lifelong dream of owning a truck. Eventually, that dream came true when she became the proud owner of her very own big, blue truck.

Karen became a mother at a young age, raising three rowdy boys: Cody, Cameron, and Curtis Johnson. They certainly kept her on her toes! She was the very definition of a Mama Bear, fiercely protective of her children and loving them more than anything in the world.

She was deeply grateful to her parents for the love, guidance, and support they provided in helping raise the Johnson boys. Karen shared an especially close relationship with her mother, Mary. Their love language often involved a little good-natured bickering, but beneath every exchange was an unmistakable bond of love and affection.

Karen experienced unimaginable heartbreak when she lost her oldest son, Cody, to a fentanyl overdose at the age of 34. His passing left a profound emptiness in her heart, a loss from which she never fully recovered. Through that heartbreak, Karen developed a passion for raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, hoping that sharing her family's experience might help prevent others from enduring the same tragedy.

Her middle son, Cameron, whom she affectionately called "Cammie," held a very special place in her heart. Karen left this life incredibly proud of the choices he was making, the path he was following, and the man he was becoming.

Her youngest son, Curtis, demonstrated extraordinary love and devotion throughout her final weeks. During the month Karen spent in the ICU, Curtis rarely left her side. He was there to comfort her, offer encouragement, give her hugs, and ensure that her every need was met. His tenderness and dedication were so remarkable that the family often joked he may have missed his calling as a nurse! Karen was immensely proud of Curtis, and her entire family will forever be grateful for the compassion and unwavering care he showed his mom.

Karen found lasting love with her childhood friend, Shane Colledge. Having grown up on the same street, their lives had been intertwined from an early age. What began as a childhood friendship grew into a beautiful partnership that lasted 27 years. Although they never officially married, in their hearts, they were husband and wife.

Together, Karen and Shane built a life filled with love, companionship, and the simple things they enjoyed most, including camping, fishing, and spending evenings gathered around campfires in their yard. Through Shane, Karen also gained two bonus daughters, Lacey and Brittany, whom she loved as her own.

It was common for Karen and Shane to end their phone conversations with the words, "Forever and Always." Those three simple words perfectly captured the depth of their love and the commitment they shared throughout their years together.

Karen was also the very best dog mom! Her beloved furry companions brought her endless joy, comfort, and unconditional love. Anyone who knew Karen knew she could happily talk for hours about her dogs, sharing stories about their personalities and the happiness they brought into her life.

Another of Karen's greatest passions was gardening. She took tremendous pride in the hard work she put into her garden and the fruits and vegetables it produced. Even during her most difficult days in the hospital, she often dreamed of getting back outside, feeling the sunshine, and playing in the dirt again. Her family finds comfort in imagining the beautiful garden she must already be planting in Heaven.

Karen is survived by her loving mother, Mary Fausett; her sons, Cameron and Curtis Johnson; her bonus daughters, Lacey and Brittany; her lifelong partner, Shane Colledge; her sister, Kristie; her brother, Lewis (Debbie); 13 grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles who are heartbroken by her passing far too soon.

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry Fausett; her beloved son, Cody Johnson; her aunt, Anna Orton; her cousin, Alexis Zwahlen; her paternal grandparents, Margaret and Leonard Fausett; and her maternal grandparents, David and Alice Jean Zwahlen.

Karen fought with incredible determination throughout her battle with cancer and the many complications that accompanied it. Even during her most difficult moments, she wanted others to learn from her experience. If there is one message she would want everyone to remember from her journey, it is this:

Please stop smoking.

Karen would never want another person or family to endure the pain and suffering she experienced during the final months of her life. Her family hopes that sharing her message will encourage others to make choices that protect their health and the people who love them.

Karen's sister, Kristie, is especially grateful for the countless hours they spent together reconnecting during Karen's final month. Through long days and difficult nights, Curtis and Kristie made an incredible team, ensuring Karen was never alone throughout her courageous battle. The family is equally grateful to the relatives and friends who stepped in to offer support, comfort, and relief whenever it was needed.

Karen's family would also like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute. The kindness, compassion, and genuine care they showed Karen throughout her stay meant more than words can express. They took the time to listen to her stories about her beloved dogs and her garden, getting to know the person beyond the patient. They became her personal cheerleaders, encouraging her as she worked to stand on her feet again following surgery to repair her broken femurs. Their patience, encouragement, and compassion will never be forgotten.

Karen's life was filled with love, laughter, determination, and a little bit of stubbornness. She loved fiercely, stood by those she cared about, and left behind countless memories that her family will treasure forever.

Karen, you are loved beyond words and will be missed more than you could ever know. Your stories, your laughter, your stubbornness, and, most importantly, your love will live on in each of us. We will carry you in our hearts, cherish the memories we shared, and never forget the beautiful mark you left on our lives.

Forever and Always.

Please watch over us until we meet again.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.