Karen Brigham

 A memorial service for Karen Brigham will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2026 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Pastor Ernie Bishop officiating.  Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery.

Karen Murphy Brigham, 85, of Gillette, Wyoming, passed away peacefully in her sleep on 6th of April 2026 in Douglas Wyoming.

Karen was born on November 22, 1940, in Seymour, Iowa, to William S. Murphy and Edna May Murphy. She was raised in a large and loving family of ten children, in a time when life was simple and not always easy, but family meant everything. Her sister Dorothy lovingly remembered Karen as her “baby sister” and often shared the sweet family story that, as a little girl, she had asked their mother for a baby — and when twins Karen and Kay arrived, she joked, “I only wanted one.” Karen always got a big kick out of that story.

Karen graduated from Seymour Community High School in 1958 and later attended Casper College. She married Harold Brigham in Casper, Wyoming, in 1959, and in 1961 they made their home in Gillette, where Karen built her life, her family, and many lasting friendships.

She was a faithful member of Gillette Christian Church and had a successful career in the mining industry, from which she retired. Karen will be remembered as a strong, caring, and deeply loving woman. She was independent, thoughtful, and always willing to show up for the people she loved. She shared a special closeness with her family, especially her sisters, and remained someone whose love and loyalty could always be felt. Her sister also recalled how close they were throughout life, and how Karen still talked about wanting to come back and visit her.

More than anything, Karen loved her family. She shared a particularly special bond with her grandson Jayme, whom she loved dearly and was “very, very good to.” She was close to him throughout his life, and her love, care, and steady presence meant the world to him. Those who knew Karen knew how deeply she loved her family and how naturally she cared for others.

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Brigham, in 2018; her son, Don in 2020; her parents, William and Edna Murphy; and eight siblings. It brings comfort to the family to know that Don will be laid to rest with Karen and Harold, so that the family may rest together.

She is survived by her son, Danny; her grandchildren, Jayme, Donamy, Marissa, Kyla; her great-grandsons - Gabriel, Vinnie, Waylon and great-granddaughter Lexie, her twin sister - Kay Fox of Phoenix, Arizona; and her sister, Dorothy Varner of Independence, Missouri.

Karen will be remembered for her sweet nature, quiet strength, and the love she gave so freely. She leaves behind cherished memories and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family will honor her memory with a private celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s honor to Jayme Brigham(grandson).

Alternatively, the family asks that you do an unexpected kindness for someone in Karen’s honor.