In the fundraising world of meetings and social gatherings, where first impressions are the norm, it’s always gratifying to encounter a person who exudes beauty both inside and out. Such was Karen Settle. While Karen was not part of the non-stop fundraising herd, she made her mark when she took on a project. It was just two years ago that KidneyTexas Inc. President Jolie Humphrey arranged to have Karen chair the KidneyTexas Runway Report at Brook Hollow. Karen appreciated the cause because both she and her college sweetheart/husband Jay Settle had undergone kidney surgery.
In typical Karen style, she opened her University Park home for an appreciation party. As reported, the house was not the biggest one, the newest one nor the oldest one in the neighborhood, but, like Karen, it immediately made folks feel right at home. Sure, there was the “two-story, red barn in the backyard along with a pool and putting green,” but it was the type of place that made you want to return for a longer stay. It was the perfect reflection of Karen.
But Karen’s dazzling looks and genteel style belied her talents. Having earned her BBA from Texas Tech University, a master’s degree from SMU in psychology and a PhD in Counseling Psychology from UNT, she worked at SMU. During her 25 years at SMU, she served as Director of the Counseling and Testing Center and as a Licensed Psychologist for the SMU Memorial Health Center until her retirement in 2013. In recognition of her efforts, she was awarded the Distinguished Psychologist Award from the Dallas Psychological Association.
In addition to her various leadership roles in the world of psychology, she was a founding member and past president of the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center League and a member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League.
Despite the professional and community accomplishments, family and friends were still the priority in Karen’s life. From her meeting Jay on a collegiate tour of Europe and that first kiss on a bench in Rome, raising two sons (Blake Settle and Trey Settle), and becoming a grandmother to growing her collection of friends, Karen’s life was the type others envy.
Still Karen’s life was not without loss. She suffered the incredible grief of a parent whose child has died, when Trey was killed in a car wreck in 2011.
As Jolie put it, “I’ve only known her well for four years, but we became very close quickly. We spent every week together planning the KidneyTexas luncheon and spent more time after that. Karen was smart, had a quick sense of humor, loved playing jokes, loved photography and she was pretty good at it herself. She had a high appreciation for art and loved entertaining. Karen was also a fashionista. Karen and Jay loved to travel. In fact they went on a river cruise in Europe this past May.
“Karen battled with her health for many years and things became worse the past two years. She never dwelled on it. Karen loved life, laughed often, was filled with joy and loved the Lord. I truly loved Karen like a sister. We connected instantly. She has many friends from many circles. People instantly liked her when they met her. She was very special.”
According to KidneyTexas Inc. President Anna Bland Aston, “KidneyTexas Inc. has so many warm and wonderful members who enjoy each other and support each other. We lost a true treasure of a friend in Karen Settle’s death this Tuesday, August 30.”
A memorial service will be held at Park Cities Baptist Church on Friday, September, 2, at 1 p.m.
Anna Bland Aston says
Jeanne,
What a lovely and beautiful tribute for Karen Settle, we will all miss her!
Natalie Taylor says
Jeanne, such a great tribute to our wonderful friend, Karen! She was truly a remarkably great and accomplished person and gorgeous lady. We at KidneyTexas will all miss her tremendously.
ValaRay Irvin says
So very sorry to hear about Karen’s transition. My condolences to her family, friends, and the SMU Counseling Center staff who worked with her.
Judy Sonnenberg says
I knew and adored Karen since 2008. She was a remarkably accomplished woman. I am so saddened by her passing. My heart goes out to her family.
Linda Marshall says
I directed Karen’s doctoral dissertation and had her in a class at UNT. In both situations, I was very proud of her performance and very proud that she chose to work with me. I had lost touch with her in the past 5 years or so, despite having thought of her and planning to reach her for a visit. I have many wonderful memories of Karen. I envy those who were close to her. The world has lost a truly exceptional person.
Pat Feldman says
A shock to lose her so soon…she brought so much to SMU. I respected and admired her work and her commitment to students and to the university.
Cheri Chavason says
What a wonderful friend I will miss everyday.
Dawna Hamm Walsh says
“In my Father’s house are many mansions. I go there to prepare a place for you. And when I prepare a place for you, I will return again, and take you home with me to my Father in heaven. There you may be with us also. And wherever I go you will know, and you will also know the way to go.” John 14:1-4
Karen, you are home with Trey and your wonderful Mom and Dad. You are surrounded by love. You fly freely with your angel wings and are free from pain. Thank you for the enormous joy you brought to all of us who were blessed to be your friend. We are all the better because we knew you. You will be soooo very missed but we know you rest in the loving arms of the Lord. You were always a shining light of God’s unconditional love.
Anika Fields says
I am sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I remember conducting a counseling center site visit at SMU several years ago. Her staff and those in the university community who worked closely with counseling had nothing but wonderful things to say about her – similar to the comments in this article. I offer my condolences to Karen’s family, friends, SMU counseling center staff and others in the university community who worked with her. May you all find peace and comfort in the many wonderful memories you will always have of her in your hearts. God’s blessings upon you.
Greg Snodgrass says
Karen was a bright, kind, caring and wonderful person, so fun to be around and so accepting. I always looked forward to seeing her at professional meetings. Her laugh would light up the room. Even when she was dealing with difficult times, she always seemed to manage a smile. She had a great love of life and loved sharing that with others. I will miss her smile, her laugh, her jokes, and her professional wisdom.
Barbara Hardin says
Karen and I were roommates many years at TUCCDA and AUCCCD. I was in Alaska last week and didn’t find out about her passing until I returned on Saturday. I will miss her wisdom, her elegance, and our discussions about everything and anything including dressing for dinner at our conferences. She had a generosity of spirit and a wicked sense of humor. She will be greatly missed.
Terry Hannigan says
I remember Karen for her great smile and positive energy. She was a respected colleague with whom I interacted during my years in Texas as a Counseling Center Director, and afterward. We crossed paths regularly at TUCCDA and AUCCCD since back in 2000.
What a great person, great colleague and upbeat friend!
She will be sorely missed.