Karen was born in and grew up in Palo Alto, California. She left the Bay Area and lived in Chicago, Atlanta, Newnan, and Palos Verdes before returning in 2000. Along the way Karen made many lifetime connections that she kept until her passing.
Karen’s short battle with cancer started with a diagnosis just 18 months ago. After surgery and a full round of chemo, Karen returned to work for a few months before enjoying full retirement this past January. She began work on her “bucket list” this April when she returned to Atlanta and Newnan for a 10 day reunion. She visited with friends she had met decades ago and picked up conversations as if they had never left. In May, Karen started a second round of chemo but after a few short weeks she was hospitalized as the cancer had spread and her body had begun to shut down. On June 12th she returned home under hospice care and began to say her goodbyes. She was able to enjoy a few visits from close friends. There was not enough time for everyone to see her in the last days but she had family with her until the end.
Karen’s final days were spent at home in Mt. View, CA under hospice care surrounded by loved ones. The outpouring of flowers, cards, letters, emails and phone calls has been a great comfort to her family. Special thanks to Karen’s team of doctors at Kaiser, Santa Clara, Hospice of the Valley and the 24HR Home Care program for sending us special angels Malkia, Lorena and Nadia who helped us guide Karen through her journey.
Karen never met a stranger and became a special dear friend to everyone she met. She remembered every birthday, anniversary and holiday usually with a card and sweet note. She was kind, generous, elegant and always willing to listen and laugh. She was a loving, caring mother who was close to her children and loved them very much.
Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank. She is survived by her son, Bruce Burns and wife Sue Nasca; daughter Robyn Davis and husband Bryan; daughter Rebecca and husband Cyril Bertrand; stepson Frank McClung and wife Cheryl; stepson Dave McClung and wife Lynne; 4 grandchildren Mac, Taylor, Johnny and Brandon; sister Gretchen Karlebach and husband Geoffrey; nieces Tanya and Erika; brother-in-law Jim McClung and wife Trish and many, many dear friends, colleagues and acquaintances.
Per Karen’s wishes, the family will hold a private service in Lexington, VA where she will be laid to rest alongside her late husband Frank. We ask that you celebrate Karen’s life by remembering her unending love of family, friends, entertaining and fun.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a donation in Karen’s name to cancer prevention/cure organization of your choice.