Karin Shreeve Tadjiki died peacefully in her sleep on January 21, 2026, at the age of 89, following a weekend surrounded by family gathered at her bedside to share memories, laugh, listen to her beloved classical music CDs and watch football together. In her final days, Karin was deeply content – held in love, presence, and peace as she made her gentle transition from this beautiful life into the next.
Raised in Eugene, Oregon, Karin was part of the first graduating class of Eugene’s first high school – now South Eugene High School – in 1954. From an early age, she was drawn to movement, expression, and connection. She studied dance at the University of Wisconsin before returning to the West Coast, where she completed her undergraduate degree in dance at the University of Oregon and University of San Francisco, and later earned a Master’s degree in Education from California State University, Los Angeles.
With her teaching license, Karin devoted her professional life to education, working as a health and physical education teacher in middle schools and high schools throughout Southern California, including the Los Angeles Unified School District. She was a committed, compassionate educator who believed deeply in the dignity and potential of every student. In the 1970s, her life’s journey took her across the globe to Iran, where she taught at the Tehran American School. That chapter of her life ended abruptly when the Iranian Revolution forced her family to flee back to Los Angeles in 1979 – a moment that reflected both the uncertainty of the world and Karin’s remarkable resilience.
Karin was a longtime member of the La Verne Church of the Brethren in La Verne, California, where she sang joyfully in the church choir and formed lifelong friendships rooted in faith, service, and shared song. Music was one of Karin’s great loves. She adored classical music and famously played it at full volume in her car, savoring every note. She cherished the cultural richness of city life and attended live performances – especially the Los Angeles Symphony and the Hollywood Bowl – whenever she could. She played the violin as a hobby and found joy in making music simply for the love of it.
Karin also had a deep love of the natural world. She was an avid gardener and a gifted naturalist, always finding ways to grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables – even on small apartment patios in Southern California. Flowers, in particular, captured her heart, and she delighted in photographing the many blossoms she nurtured with care.
After retiring from teaching, Karin embraced travel with curiosity and enthusiasm. She journeyed with friends and her dear cousin Marcia to places such as Budapest, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Bali, Kenya, and beyond – dancing, taking art lessons, learning about new cultures and forming friendships wherever she went. She loved to dance well into her later years, moving with joy and openness, connecting with others through shared rhythm and laughter.
In 2004, Karin moved to Bend, Oregon, to be closer to her grandchildren, a decision rooted in her deep love for family. In Bend, Karin became an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and, naturally, joined the choir. She also sang with the Bend Cascade Chorale for several years. Never one to sit still, Karin threw herself into Central Oregon life – kayaking, cross-country skiing, and even buying herself a pickup truck. She was a devoted and joyful presence in her grandchildren’s lives, serving as a trusted babysitter when they were young and later making it a priority to attend their school events, piano recitals, and games.
Above all else, Karin had an expansive heart. She loved her two sons, Robert and Darius, her daughter-in-law Stephanie, and her grandchildren – Cyrus, Jasper, Maya, and Ella – with a fierce, steady devotion. She made countless financial sacrifices when she had very little, always placing her children’s well-being ahead of her own. She believed deeply in peace and justice, held a low tolerance for cruelty or evil, and chose instead to assume goodness in others. Wherever she went, Karin made friends easily, inspiring loyalty and affection across generations, cultures, and communities.
Animals were also part of Karin’s wide circle of love. She shared her life with many cherished cats and one poorly trained but dearly loved border collie named Beaut (short for Beautiful), who terrified her grandchildren, but who Karin loved with all her heart.
Karin was preceded in death by her parents, Oramel and JoAnna; her sister, Susanna; her nephew, Frank; and her cousin, Marcia. She is survived by her sister Machiel; her sons Robert (Stephanie) and Darius; her grandchildren Cyrus, Jasper, Maya, and Ella; her niece Sholeh (Buddy); her nephew Doug (Darcie); her great-nephew Jordan; and her cousins Murray (Sue) and Katrinka (Jon).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karin’s name to First Presbyterian Church Community Fund or to Partners in Care Hospice