Karolyn Neupert Gordon

August 13, 1941 – May 23, 2024 - Karolyn Neupert Gordon, loved by all who knew her, became an angel on May 23, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born in Portland, Oregon to Juanita and Jacob Koenig, Jr., the eldest of two children. She attended McKay Grade School, Beaverton High School, the University of Portland and the University of Oregon. She married her high school sweetheart, Karl Neupert and they were the proud parents of three, Karla, Kristin and Kevin. To family friends, they were affectionately known as the 5K's. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and grandmother.

If you had the good fortune to meet Karolyn, you didn’t forget her. She was beautiful on the inside and out. Her warm and compassionate spirit made everyone feel comfortable and cared about. A gift that few are blessed with, but one she was known for, that and her signature hugs.

Karolyn was a consummate hostess, cook, baker and designer of stunning flower arrangements. She was also a talented athlete and back in the day she was an avid tennis player and golfer. A good game of cards with friends or family got her competitive juices flowing as well. At 39, on a bit of a dare, she decided to become a marathon runner. She ran her first marathon in Portland and qualified for and ran in the Boston marathon the following spring. She ran an excellent race in Boston, on a difficult course, and requalified for Boston the next year. This woman had an incredible level of internal strength and determination; if she set her mind to something, she did it well, no matter what.

In 2002, Karolyn, and the family lost Karl suddenly, to pancreatic cancer, and life changed quickly for the 5K’s. Family was everything to Karolyn and she simply adored her grandchildren and they her. She was present welcoming each of them into the world and was head cheerleader at their games and performances. She acted as a role model and confidant to them and she showered them with the most amazing amount of unconditional love and support. Grandy was the best and she loved them to the moon and back!

Karolyn Neupert Gordon was a woman full of grace, gratitude and love. She hugged many and touched even more. Her zest for life and people will serve us as an example of how to live your life, with purpose and intent. She was a generous giver of her time. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for someone in need, giving brought her great joy. She often shared one of her favorite quotes, “No one ever became poor by giving.”

In 2011, she discovered love again and married Barry Gordon in 2013. They celebrated 10-years of marriage last fall. They enjoyed entertaining, many laughs, travel adventures, and their dear golden retriever, Osa. She was grateful to share her life with Barry and their families. They thrived hosting events and holiday gatherings in their beautiful home. Together they created many happy memories with family and friends.

Throughout her life she was active in many community activities and clubs: the Junior League, Multnomah Athletic Club, the Portland Golf Club and the Town Club. She served on the Austin Family Business Board at OSU, and for many years served on the board of Self Enhancement Incorporated, SEI. The one group that she really became deeply passionate about and involved with, in the last 21 years of her life, was her service to and leadership of her Consolidated family.

Karolyn had become actively involved in the Neupert family business, Consolidated Supply Co. (CSCO), a plumbing and water works wholesaler in 2003. Her warm and engaging leadership style transformed CSCO’s company culture. Early on, she decided the title of Chairman did not suit her and put MH on her business cards. It always begged the question from everyone, “What is MH?”, to which she would smile and reply “Mother Hen”. She would further explain that she grew up on a farm and loved chickens. Chickens were clean, proud and protective and that is what she was, proud and protective of all of the chicks and roosters in her Consolidated family. She led Consolidated Supply to new heights with the opening of 11 new locations. CSCO also earned several local employer and safety awards as well as national industry awards, during her tenure. She was fiercely proud of her team and enjoyed celebrating Consolidated Supply Co. milestones with them by hosting spectacular galas for the 75th and 90th anniversaries. Karolyn represented the third generation of the Neupert family in the business. It brought a twinkle to her eye that her children and grandchildren, representing the 4th and 5th generations, were able to join the company and participate in the mission of delivering extraordinary customer service. Her genuine desire to build relationships with the team, customers, vendors, and manufacturer’s representatives was inspiring. Her wisdom and guidance will continue to lead her flock from above.

Karolyn’s light will shine eternally within the hearts of everyone who was blessed to know her. She is survived by her husband, Barry; children Karla (John), Kristin (Brad), and Kevin (Elena), stepchildren Stuart, Samantha (Zach); nine grandchildren, Blake (Lexi), Natalie (Tarek), AJ, JJ, Christopher, Nichole, Molly, Brooke and David; and her brother, Jacob Koenig, III.

A celebration of Karolyn's life and faith will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Portland, on June 19, 2024 at 11 am, with a gathering at the Portland Golf Club to follow. In lieu of flowers, a remembrance donation may be made to the American Heart Association, Self Enhancement Incorporated, (SEI), or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.