Karen Johnson
1942 - 2024

Karen Johnson Zorn, 82, of Eugene, OR, passed away on June 16, 2024, of age-related causes.

Karen was born to Dr. Norman Pike Johnson and Helen Rosamund Bunce Johnson in Olean, NY, on February 12, 1942. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother and sister, Norman Pike, Jr., and Priscilla Mae. She is survived by her two children, Steve Zorn, of Eugene, and Jessica Zorn, of New York City, as well as her granddaughter, Amalia Wilner.

Karen met Mark Zorn in graduate school at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where they were both working towards their Masters' degrees in English Literature. They were married in 1969 in Olean and moved to Eugene in 1973. They were divorced in 1980. They shared custody of the children and remained friends throughout.

Karen went to work at Lane County Legal Aid in Eugene, where she was inspired to go to law school at the University of Oregon. She worked as Benton County Deputy District Attorney in Corvallis from 1985 to 1996, and then as a criminal defense attorney from 1997 to 2013. She worked on extremely challenging criminal cases throughout her career. As a defense attorney, she cared deeply about her clients. Compensation was a lesser priority for her, and she often accepted trade in exchange for services.

While working at Legal Aid, Karen met Emily Heilbrun, also from New York, and they were partners until 1993. They too remained friends.

She loved animals and always had a pet or two running around the house. Fascinated by nature, she enjoyed the outdoors and took up rock climbing and hiking late in life. In retirement she volunteered for SMART Reading and Sponsors Inc., and helped provide a free monthly breakfast for people in need.

Karen died surrounded by those who loved her most: her exes Mark and Emily, her children Jessica and Steve, and her dog, Gabby, on whom she doted to the end.

A memorial service is planned for July 27, 2024 in Eugene. All who knew Karen are welcome. For information, email jessicazorn/@hotmail.com.