Karen Marie Mackey, age 57 of Clarence, passed away at her home on Sunday September 28, 2025. There will be a celebration of Karen's life at the Bennett School on Saturday October 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.

Karen was born August 17, 1968 in Maquoketa, Iowa to Paul and Margaret (Loehr) Novak. She was married and divorced twice before meeting her fiancée Ron Higbee.

She is survived by her fiancée Ron Higbee of Clarence, her daughters Allison (Austin) Tucker of Fairfax and Abbigal Mackey of Cedar Rapids; Ron's daughters Alyssa (Brandon) Carstensen of Clarence, Amber Higbee of Taylor Ridge, IL, and Emma Higbee of LeClaire, IA; grandchildren Josephine and Ryker Tucker; brothers Steve (Theresa) Novak of Cedar Falls, Dave (Stella) Novak of Buffalo, IA, and Mike (Jane) Novak of Calamus; sister Cathy Tracey of Pembine WI; and her best friend Lisa Dickman of Lost Nation and her children Morgan Henning and Reagan Dickman.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Karen will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted teacher, and compassionate friend whose life touched so many. Teaching was her passion and her gift. For most of her career she taught preschool, later sharing her wisdom with 4th graders, always seeing the good in every child and inspiring them to do their best. She spent many years teaching at Bennett and North Cedar Schools and substituted in numerous classrooms across the area. Beyond the classroom, she dedicated her time as director of Little Home Day Care for many years and served as a 4-H leader, always helping others and giving freely of her time and talents.

Karen's deep faith guided her life and her kindness was felt by all who knew her. She was an exceptional cook, a spiritual woman, and a wonderful mother who always put her family first. She loved her dogs, Dixie, Gus, and Peanut and found joy in simple pleasures—reading a good book, gathering with friends, and sharing laughter and stories over a glass of wine.