Karen J. Kershaw, her passion was horses

Karen J. Kershaw, 63, of Milford, lost her courageous battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at Delaware Hospice Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, E. Kenneth Kershaw. She is survived by her parents, Joyce R. (Palmer) and Donald B. Kershaw; her brothers and sister, Kenneth A. of Townsend, Donna R. Trincia of Wilmington, Bruce D. (Paula) of Landenberg, Pa., and Scott A. (Katherine) of Wilmington; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Karen worked for DuPont for nearly 15 years but resigned in 1985 to pursue her true passion - horses.

She began her riding career at age 10 and was actively involved in Pony Club and 4H Club, as well as showing extensively.
She began her teaching and training career part-time at age 15. She taught The Equine Art & Science course at Del Tech College during the 1970s, and was involved with the startup of the Wilmington Mounted Police Force, and coached their Show Drill Team in their early years.

After resigning from Du Pont, she pursued her teaching and training career full-time.

But her dream was to have a happy place for kids, their animals, and their dreams. In 1989, she moved to Milton, and opened Milton Equestrian Center (MEC) where she taught lessons, hosted horse shows, and held summer camps for many years. She believed in promoting the age-old love affair between human and horse, and, over the years, more than 500 people of all ages started their riding careers with her.

Karen enjoyed sharing her knowledge and love of horses; working with problem horses; showing, fox hunting, and trail riding; and she especially loved riding on the beach.

In the mid-2000s, she downsized the center and changed the name to Kershaw Acres. Karen truly believed in the healing power of horses so she was proud that Kershaw Acres provided on-site, hands-on training for challenged students from a special education school in Lewes, and was home for SDTRHR (Southern Delaware Therapeutic & Recreational Horseback Riding, Inc.) for several years.

Karen continued her affiliation with Pony Club and was a member of BVCPHA (Brandywine Valley Chapter of the Professional Horseman's Association), Laurel Saddle Friends Inc., and was a proud member and supporter of the Delaware Equine Council. She also served as volunteer coordinator for trail maintenance at Nanticoke Wildlife Area.

Karen loved all animals, and she also shared her life with numerous dogs, cats, and miscellaneous other "critters." She supported various animal rescue groups, fostered animals waiting for adoption, and helped transport animals on their way to new homes.

"Miss Karen" will be dearly missed by her students, friends and family.

Karen's family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to all of her wonderful friends who rallied around her. Your love and support was truly amazing.

A Celebration of Karen's life will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen's name to the following rescue organizations: Changing Fates Equine Rescue of Delaware, 31283 Old Cabin Road, Laurel, DE 19956 (www.changingfatesequine.org); or First State Animal Rescue – SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934 (donations can also be made by phone).

Please visit Karen's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.