In Memoriam: Karen Bosworth

Healdsburg native Karen Bosworth — a local healthcare worker, education leader, business owner, softball player, rancher and mom — passed away last month at her home in Geyserville. She was in her mid 80s. According to her obituary, Karen was working as a medical technologist in San Francisco circa 1966 when she went on a blind date with Geyserville resident Harry Bosworth. They married the following year — and the year after that, they reportedly “bought the local hardware store” in Geyserville, along with a small ranch, where they started a family. Karen and Harry named the store Bosworth & Son General Merchandise; it still exists today, but as more of a Western wear and gift shop. When Harry died about a year-and-a-half ago, the couple’s daughter Rachel told the Press Democrat that locals “used to refer to him as the unofficial mayor.” And their other daughter Gretchen, who took over the shop, said Harry “relished knowing everyone in the town of fewer than 1,000 souls.” For her part, Karen worked as a lab tech in Healdsburg — at the family practice of Grace, Neal and Wellock, as well as at Healdsburg Hospital — for over 20 years. “After retiring, she enjoyed pouring wine in both Geyser Peak and Silver Oak’s tasting rooms,” her obituary says. “Karen tried many hobbies and participated in many activities: She collected carnival glass, she taught Sunday school, she enjoyed photography and took classes at the SRJC, she played with the Geyserville Mickeys coed softball team, and loved her monthly dominoes matches with friends.” She also served on various local healthcare and eduction boards, and was the president of the Geyserville Chamber of Commerce at one point. A celebration of life for Karen will be held on the morning of Sunday, April 28, at Catelli’s Restaurant in Geyserville. (Source: Legacy.com & Press Democrat)