Everyone, I received this very sad news from our classmate, Patricia Klaas Laubach, regarding the passing of Karen Marie Milliken:
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of an uncommon woman, great American, and treasured friend, Karen Marie Milliken (MHC ’77, Political Science; University of Denver, MBA ’79).
Karen was my roommate during our freshman and sophomore years at MHC, in London during our junior year, and in Washington, D.C. after graduation. She pursued a lifelong dream of becoming a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, embarking on an illustrious 31-year career in 1979 during which she routinely briefed individuals at the highest levels of government. Fluent in Italian, Spanish, and Danish, her distinguished postings included:
– Consulate in Milan
– Multinational Force and Observers (Rome)
– Mogadishu, Somalia
– Lima, Perú
– Tegucigalpa, Honduras
– Copenhagen, Denmark
– U.S. Embassy in Rome
– U.S. House Ways and Means Committee (Washington, D.C.)
– Office of U.S. Geographer and Global Issues (Washington, D.C.)
Karen was kind, brilliant, unflappable, a superb listener, and a person of total integrity. Her welcoming nature and trustworthiness fostered deep understanding and earned the respect of both U.S. and foreign counterparts. For example, upon completing her tour in Peru, large numbers of Americans and Peruvians—including the mayor of Lima—came to the embassy to wish her well.
Karen met her dedicated husband of 44 years, Valentino Zardi, during her first tour of duty in Italy. While on their first date in Milan, they encountered a protest, and Val recalls that he “grabbed her hand and never let go.” Together, they shared a beautiful partnership and memorable adventures (some dangerous and some hilarious) across all of her postings.
Following her retirement in 2011, Karen and Val moved to her beloved home state of Colorado. Supported by Karen’s sister, Anne Milliken (MHC ‘85), Val remained by her side during her final months. Karen passed away after a long illness on July 1, 2026, with Val still holding her hand.
Condolences can be sent to Val Zardi and Anne Milliken
5540 Annadale Trl
Elizabeth, CO 80107-9128
With regrets,
Patricia Klaas Laubach ’77
