Obituary

Karen Sue Chavez 

Karen Sue Chavez passed away at the age of 75 on February 23, 2024, at 6:30pm at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA surrounded by her dear husband Louie and many family members.

Karen was born in Phoenix, Arizona on May 22, 1948, where she spent her childhood. She married her first husband in 1967 and had three children. She then moved to California in 1974, earned her degree from USC in 1981, and worked as an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years. She married her lifelong friend and soulmate, Louie Chavez, on July 3, 1994, and they immediately began blending their families.

Karen was dedicated to God and her community. She was ordained as a Deacon of the Episcopal Church through Claremont School of Theology in 2006. She served at St. John The Baptist Episcopal Church in Corona, CA and St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA for 18 years. Karen was heavily involved in the Corona Norco Interfaith Association including serving as the chapter President. It was here where she exemplified God’s love for people of various denominations and religions. From helping clean local churches and picketing to support the synagogue to raise money to prevent an overtaking by a financial center, to leading invocations at City Hall, to having a seat saved right next to the Mayor of Corona to witness the Bishop consecrating a statue from Rome at St Mary Magdelenes, she was there. She was a devoted member of the Daughters of the King and these women became dear friends. For many years she championed the advent challenge to raise money for the Episcopal Relief & Development to help the poor. Her personal mission was to take the church out to the world, and she did this so well. She showed up to love her community and God’s people the way Jesus would with no boundaries.

Karen was a model of love. As a wife she loved her husband deeply, showed affection effortlessly, and cared for him selflessly. She enjoyed traveling the world with him by her side and showed her family how to love your partner and how to be your partner’s best friend.

Karen was Nana to many. God graced Nana with a love so strong, she was then able to pour this love into building, blending, and being a family. Karen did not have “stepchildren” or “step grandchildren”, she had children, and grandchildren. She invested her time, talents, and treasure to all. When people were in Karen’s presence, she had that Nana way about her that made everyone feel safe and accepted. Karen became “Nana” to more than just her grandchildren. She embodied everything a Nana was. Nana showed up to games, graduations, weddings, and births. She invited her grandchildren to join in her creativity with crafts and building her and Louie’s elaborate model train room. She never missed a birthday and she collected and shared the family story. She made sure her great grandchildren knew she was “the great” and kept up with family far away. She was comfort, she was present, she was fun, she was accepting. Karen was a gift to this world.

Karen is survived by her loving and doting husband, Louie Chavez, her brother Don Kleinz, her 12 children, 17 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Her marriage, her family and her service to God are her legacy.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Episcopal Relief & Development https://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-you-can-do/give/donate-now/individual-donation/

Celebration of Life Service

Date & Time: Saturday, March 16th at 10:30 am

Venue: St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church

Location: 30382 Via Con Dios Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Phone: 949-888-4595

Reception

Date & Time: Saturday, March 16th at 12 pm

Venue: St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church

Location: 30382 Via Con Dios Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Phone: 949-888-4595