Karina Kopatich

Karina Kopatich passed away peacefully after a brief illness, with her loving niece by her side, holding her hand. She was surrounded by love and left this world with the same grace and gentle spirit that defined her life.

Born Karen Thorpe on January 6, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, she was raised in Bourbon, Indiana. As a young girl, she spent time helping at her uncle’s Shetland pony ranch, where she earned $5 for every pony she could break—a story she loved to tell.

Karina lived a life full of adventure, creativity, and color. She traveled extensively throughout the world, with Morocco and Spain among her favorite destinations. During her travels in Spain, locals affectionately called her “Karina,” a name she loved so much that she later made it her legal name.

She spent many years in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she owned a successful concession business, worked as a model, and performed as one of three backup singers for Wayne Newton. During that time, she developed a friendship with Tony Bennett, who gave her her first set of paints and helped inspire a lifelong passion for art.

Karina later made her home in Tucson, Arizona, with her beloved husband, Bill Kopatich. She cherished the mountain views from their home and devoted much of her time to painting vibrant works filled with the bright colors she loved. She was preceded in death by Bill and her daughter, Kelly, both of whom passed away in 2020.

In her later years, Karina moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to be closer to her niece, who lovingly supported and cared for her.

Known for her beautiful blue eyes, radiant smile, colorful clothing, and jewelry collected from her travels, Karina brought warmth and joy wherever she went. She was a beautiful person inside and out, with a gentle spirit and kind heart.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.