Karen Actkinson

Board Member

Karen Actkinson is honored to serve on the board of The Widow’s Journey, affectionately known as “Wisters” — a sisterhood of women walking together through grief, healing, and renewed purpose.

Karen’s love story with her late husband, Don, began as high school sweethearts in Van Buren, Ar after she moved there from Albuquerque, NM, at age fifteen. Life briefly took them in different directions for a couple of years —

Karen studied at the University of Arkansas, earning her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, and Don moved to Dallas to go to college and began working at UPS part-time.  

It was clear they were meant to be together! After reuniting, they were engaged within six months and married within the year, building a life grounded in love, faith, and family.

Karen has worked part-time as a dental hygienist in the Grapevine, Colleyville, and Southlake area while raising their three children — two sons and a daughter — who remain her greatest blessings. Today, her greatest joy is her growing family of grandchildren — three born within nine months of one another, with another on the way. KK is her favorite name! 

Don had a 35-year career with United Parcel Service. He worked in every aspect of the company and retired from management early at age 55. Together they embraced what they believed would be one of the sweetest chapters of their lives — traveling, spending time with their grown kids, visiting their home in Breckenridge, and enjoying the wonderful life that was built together! Don was always so much fun, the life of the party, and he loved adventure! We both loved scuba diving, and Don especially loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Tragically, in Colorado, the week of their son Jacob’s wedding on June 19, 2019, Don was involved in a fatal accident just three days before the ceremony. He was only 58 years old. The wedding went on, and it was beautiful with all our friends and family there, but she quickly had to come back to reality and plan a funeral when she got back home. Karen credits her deep faith in God and wonderful family and friends for carrying her through that devastating season. 

Finding The Widow’s Journey — her “Wisters” — has been a profound gift. Within this community, she found women who truly understand loss because they have walked it themselves. Through shared experiences, friendship, laughter, and unwavering support, Karen has rediscovered joy and meaningful connection. She is especially grateful for the strong leadership of Joy and Nanci, whose dedication has kept this sisterhood a place of comfort, strength, and belonging.

Serving on the board is both an honor and a calling. Karen is passionate about ensuring that every widow who comes to Wisters finds hope, understanding, and the reassurance that she does not have to walk this journey alone.♥️