Q COSTARICA — Karen Olsen Beck, who once served as Costa Rica’s first lady, passed away on Thursday, September 25, at 95 years old, the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) confirmed.
She was married to former President José Figueres Ferrer and was the mother of José María Figueres Olsen, who served as president from 1994 to 1998.
Born in New York on January 31, 1930, Karen pursued architecture, earned a bachelor’s degree in social service, completed a master’s in sociology, and undertook pre-doctoral studies.
Karen was the mother of four children: José María, Karen Christiana, Mariano, and Kirsten. Mariano, who once led the Dirección De Inteligencia y Seguridad (DIS), died on September 25, 2019, and Kirsten passed away on December 15, 2023.
Between 1990 and 1994, she served as a legislator for the PLN. Later, during her son José Maria’s administration, she was named presidential advisor and represented Costa Rica as a diplomat in various international forums.
Karen Olsen also held the post of Costa Rica’s ambassador to Israel.
Throughout her time as first lady, she was actively involved in numerous philanthropic efforts.
Her wake will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jardines del Recuerdo funeral home in Los Yoses. The funeral service is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. at Curridabat Church.
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