Karen Glover (nonfiction)

Karen Sophie Glover (Olson)

Obituary

Mpls, MN - passed away at Episcopal Church Home on 12/23/2025 at age 86. Karen was born in Philadelphia but spent about half of her life in Minneapolis. She lived the second half in the city of St. Paul, which she truly loved. She was active in civil rights and anti-war demonstrations, and in the 1980s Karen earned a graduate degree from the University of Minnesota in Peace and Justice Studies.

Karen studied ballet and modern dance with St. Paul's Dance Guild in the 1950s and 1960s, and later also studied flamenco dancing. Starting in the 1970s, Karen taught at her own school, City Lights Ballet, initially at 7th & Hennepin in downtown Minneapolis, later in locations in South Minneapolis. She also volunteered as a dance teacher for elementary school students near downtown St. Paul

Preceded in death by her beloved sister Jean Philson.

Survived by family members Nancy Olson, Steve Philson, Veronica Olson, Danielle Boyer, and many great-nieces and great-nephews; and by her many ballet students and friends, especially Ann Jennen, Greg Tromiczak, and Karl Jones (and Angus!)

As per family custom, Karen donated her remains to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program.

The family would like to express appreciation to Episcopal Church Home for the kind and loving care they provided Karen during the four-plus years of her residence there.

Memorial service will be in Leigh Chapel at Episcopal Church Home, 1879 Feronia Ave., St. Paul 55104, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 1:30pm.

• Obituary @ Star-Tribune