05/26/2026
It is with a heavy heart that Healthy Humor announces the passing of Karen Leslie McCarty, our beloved Co-Founder, Artistic Director Emerita, and current Board Member, on Sunday, May 24, 2026. We are grateful that at the end, Karen was surrounded by love and comfort and peace, with those closest to her by her side.
It is impossible to overstate the magnitude of this loss for the HH family. Karen was a force of nature — an extraordinary individual who lived an extraordinary and generous life, bringing joy and magic to everyone who was lucky enough to cross her path. She had a big, infectious laugh, an even bigger heart, and a mischievous and irrepressible spirit that refused to let any darkness bury her light. We will miss her wit, warmth, wisdom, and clarity of vision about the good that healthcare clowning can bring to a world in such pain. We will therefore endeavor to continue to follow her example — to move forward with love and joy and to do so fiercely.
We will be celebrating Karen's life and profound legacy in the weeks and months to come and will provide those details as they become available. For now, we invite you to join us in holding Karen’s family in your thoughts and offer gratitude for her remarkable life and the gifts of love, light, and laughter that she leaves behind.
