Karen Downey Derrickson

DAGSBORO - On January 8, 2024 Karen Downey Derrickson passed away peacefully after a nearly 5-year battle with Stage 4 cancer. Our warrior princess was where she wanted to be; she was at home with Dale. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rollie Franklin and Ruth Smith Downey and her son Michael J. Derrickson. She is survived by her husband Dr. Dale Derrickson, son Keith B. Derrickson, daughter-in-law Julie Derrickson, and the greatest gift she could have received from her son Mike: granddaughter Alice V. Derrickson. Karen is also survived by her brother Keith R. Downey and wife Debbie.

Karen graduated from Indian River H.S. in 1970. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.S. in Education in 1974 and a M.Ed. with mathematics concentration in 1978.

Mrs. Derrickson had a highly successful career teaching elementary education for the Christina School District. She loved teaching, and she loved her students. In 1986 she was awarded Teacher of the Year from McVey Elementary. In 1993 she was awarded Teacher of the Year from Brader Elementary. In 1994 she was formally congratulated by the Delaware House of Representatives for her educational achievements. In 1998 she received the Outstanding Environmental Educator Award from the Delaware Nature Society. When she retired in 2010, she was honored by the Christina Board of Education for her 36 years of service to public education.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on January 15, 2024 at Bishop Hastings Funeral Home, 19 S. Main St., Selbyville, DE 19975. A viewing will be held for one hour prior. Interment will be after the services at the St. Georges United Methodist Cemetery in Clarksville, DE.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested to send donations to the American Cancer Society or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com