Our wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Karen Derrick McMaster, age 85, died on November 27, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born March 18, 1938, in Salt Lake City, to Frank Charles Symons Derrick and Ruth Heaps Derrick.
Every child- no matter what age, needs at least one significant adult who is irrationally positive about them. In our family, that has always been our mother and grandmother. She made us each feel like her favorite person in the world. We will miss her happy, ever-cheerful presence in our lives, but gratefully she taught us well how to live with faith and joy in the shadow of sadness. One of our mom’s many superpowers was her ability to cultivate friendships. Part of our sadness as a family now is knowing how much our mom will be missed by all those she loved.
Karen spent a good portion of her life seated at the piano or organ. Without fanfare she graciously accompanied her kids, grandkids, friends, neighbors, and Church members. She was also an amazing hostess and party planner. We grew up thinking it was perfectly normal to celebrate with family on every conceivable occasion. Her Halloween costumes were epic, her pot roast and dinner rolls divine, and her classy sense of style was ever present. Mom was one of a kind and she will be missed dearly. She was also an amazing typist and used that ability along with her strong office communication skills to provide for herself working in legal offices throughout her life.
Karen married her high school sweetheart, Thomas W. McMaster, in the Salt Lake Temple on December 16, 1960. Together they created a happy home while living in Utah, Germany, and Kentucky. Their storybook love for one another is part of the wonderful legacy they passed on to their children. Regrettably, not all stories end when or how we want them to and for mom, hers took a sad turn when Tom died 26 years ago. The strength, independence, fierce love for family, and the unwavering faith she demonstrated during their long separation have been an inspiration to our family.
Karen believed that families can be together forever. That faith brought her peace, comfort, and assurance. She was never preachy or overbearing but our faith is stronger because of her genuine example. Karen is predeceased by her husband, Tom, her brother Craig Derrick, brother-in-law John S. McMaster, brother-in-law Reed George, and sister-in-law Diane McCoun. She is survived by her sister Christine George; brother-in-law Brent W. (Diane) McMaster; her children Steven T. (Carol); Todd D. (Michelle); Amy (Tim) Goates; and Richard S. (Marla); 19 grandchildren- Heather (Dan) Castellano, Nate (Jenna) McMaster, Jordan (Lola Garcia) McMaster, Melissa (Sean) Burnham, Caroline (Koy) Bennion, Jenna (Bryan) Jeppesen, Molly McMaster, Natalie (Tanner) DeVinny, Catherine (Trenton) Stapley; Sarah (Nicholas) Holton, Thomas (Cara) McMaster, Stuart (Amy) Goates, Tanner (Lizzy) Goates, Preston (Katie Hammes) Goates, Samuel (Emmy) Goates, Joshua Goates, Rachel (Dalyn) Dalton, Lydia McMaster, Lucy McMaster; 25 great-grandchildren with at least 3 more on the way- Ethan, Benson, Samuel, Charlie, Clara, Owen, Lily, Mack, Eleanor, Annabel, Jace, Miles, Beau, Cooper, Oliver, Jack, Evelyn, Lucy, Adelaide, Ellen Marie, Louisa, Ingrid, Finn, Ezra, and Rory (all listed per Karen’s request- her “most important accomplishment and joy!”); numerous nieces and nephews; and a bucketful of beloved friends.
Funeral services will be held at the Cottonwood Creek Ward, 1250 E. 4800 So., Salt Lake City, Utah 84117 at noon on Monday, December 4, 2023. Friends may call at the Cottonwood Creek Ward from 4- 6pm on Sunday, December 3, 2023, or prior to the funeral from 10:30-11:45am. Interment will be after the funeral at the Brigham City Cemetery starting at ~2:30pm.
The funeral services will also be streamed live, click the blue "Watch Services" tab at the top of the obituary page to enter the Zoom.
The passing of Karen has affected my soul. I will miss her wonderfulness for the rest of my days. I want to thank Miss Karen for being who she was. 🙏
Aunt Karen always filled the room with her contagious laugh and classy style…. She was such a beacon of light for our family. I have many many fun and funny memories of her and mom and there adventures…I’ll miss her so… know that you’re all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult and trying time.
Hugs and kisses - Cousin Annee
What a darling lady Karen is!! I love her laugh and her wit. She'll be missed by all of us. I have fond memories of her from Colter Bay and her reaction when the boat blew up. She laughed and said oh well. She's a bright star. Love Nancy jenkins
To the wonderful family of Karen, we send our heartfelt love and prayers . She will always be remembered for her kindness and for the happiness she shared with others. Her piano talent was a delight to us all . We will remember her always.
Your mom was such a light. We are so sorry for your loss, Amy and family! Sending lots of love and light your way.
To Karen’s family I send my love and prayers for comfort at the time of her passing. I think we were all shocked to hear she had left us so suddenly. How wonderful it is that she is reunited with her special Tom. I so appreciated her friendship, bravery.devotion and sweet spirit. What a wonderful example she set for us all Sending my love at this time.
I just learned of Karen’s passing and I am sorry I missed attending her funeral. Karen was a good friend from Monument Park and we spent lots of time together talking about our two boys , Richard and Scott. Karen was not only a very talented pianist but also a gentle and kind friend who always had such a warm smile. She made everyone feel welcomed to wherever she happened to be. I will always remember both she and Bishop McMaster and the kindnesses they showed me and my family. I know she will be missed greatly. May our Heavenly Father bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
Wonderful life.. like a beacon to follow.