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Karen Orofino Obituary

Karen Baner Orofino Passed away in her home on May 24th. She was the beloved wife of John Orofino, loving mother of Elizabeth Pino (Alex) and John Orofino. Dear sister of Laurie Hansch (David Hansch), Nancy Schneider, JoAnn Powell and Gerard Baner. An aunt and great aunt to many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and friend. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center-Ovarian Cancer Research, Dr. John Chan, or Hospice by the Bay in her honor. A memorial will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 1:30PM at Mt Carmel Church in Mill Valley.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Marin Independent Journal on May 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Orofino

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Judi Wilson Gay

May 22, 2020

I was a cheerleader with Karen at Northport High School. What a fireball she was! A lovely friend all through school - so encouraging and joyful! Unforgettable!

Tom Martin

August 14, 2016

I met Karen in 1987 in San Francisco when she was at Katz. I had the privilege of working with her for many years and she was always a true professional. I am very saddened to hear of her passing.

stacey lippman

September 11, 2015

Karen and I had not heard from each other in forty years, and yet when I learned of her death it affected me greatly. My deepest sympathies to all who were close to her.

November 14, 2014

I just saw the TV ad last night and was shocked to learn of Karen's passing. Class act, with style and grace, but still able to hold her own when she needed to. I too worked with Karen at KRON TV and truly enjoyed it. So very sorry for your loss. Ben Paniagua

Jill Proffitt-Broadbent

November 6, 2014

I am in shock - I just saw the commercial on tv. I worked with Karen at KRON-TV for many years and was a great mentor to me. I am very sad to hear this news - my prayers are with you and your family. Jill Proffitt (Broadbent)

victoria peterson

July 28, 2014

Dear Orofino family,

With tears in my eyes, I acknowledge here that your beloved wife/mother was my role model, mentor and supervisor at Katz Communications in SF. Karen will always live in my heart and mind. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lyssa Seward

July 14, 2014

Dear Orofino family - Karen and I worked together at Katz communications many years ago. I will always hold her in high regard, she was a mentor and a true professional. She was a warm and wonderful person who made everyone feel at ease. Taken way too soon, I was so sorry to hear of her passing. I hope the love and support of family and friends will ease your pain a little and that you are lifted by the loving memory of your wife and mother. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Lyssa Seward

July 10, 2014

Karen and I worked together many years ago. Please know that Karen and her family and loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ellen Lerner

Anne Connolly

June 4, 2014

Dear John, Liz and Woody,
The Connolly family is so saddened to hear of Karen's passing. I know she fought a brave battle, because she loved you all so dearly. We logged many hours together at various Mill Valley Little League events, and I have many fond memories of Karen's happy smile and her warmth. I can only imagine how much you will miss her, as will all who knew her.

June 3, 2014

To John and Liz and Woody - your wife/Mom was a fireball of the brightest kind in high school. We were cheerleaders in our Senior year. She was an amazing, upbeat, positive, and talented person! That smile - so uplifting to so many! What a gift she must have been to you all as wife and mother. May you feel comfort and peace through loving memories. I am sad for Karen and for you. Please accept my sympathy. -Judi (Wilson) Gay. Npt HS '67.

June 3, 2014

Dear John and family,
Bill Wexelblatt called me after the memorial. My prayers are with you. Karen was a great friend.
Julie Largay

Marlene Conley

June 2, 2014

To the Orofino Family,

Karen was a Co-worker for many years with me here at NBC. I was so sad to learn of her passing only this morning. My heart is so sad, for this is a great loss for so many. I cherish the kindness that she always extended to me and the friendly smile that followed. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very so for your loss.

Marlene D. Conley

June 2, 2014

Dear John, Liz and Woody,
It is with great sorrow that we learned this evening of Karen's passing.
Our family wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss.
Sincerely, Darrel, Lynda, Dylan & Laura Fiesel

May 31, 2014

Dear John, Liz, and Woody,
My deepest sympathy on the death of your wife/mother. I remember Karen with fondness - such a caring mother and a lovely person. Our lives are richer for having known her,

Gail Angiulo, former 2nd grade teacher, Tam Valley sSchool

MaryAnn, Bob and Harry Goodish

May 31, 2014

Dear John. Bob and I are so sad to hear that you have lost your dear Karen. We are keeping you and your children in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

May 31, 2014

To John and family,

As you know, your beautiful wife and mother Karen was a very special person. She always had a smile and a sparkle in her eye. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Wishing you love and peace, Lisa Miller and Erick Steinberg

Elvia Juarez Hiester

May 30, 2014

Dear Orofino family:
We are deeply sorry to hear about Karen´s passing.
Our heart felt condolences go out to you and your family during these difficult times.
The Hiester family

May 30, 2014

Karen was a friend from childhood. We had many good times together from Ashroken beach, Bermuda, NYC, skiing to you name it! Keeping in touch across the country was never a problem. We spoke every Thanksgiving since Karen was always at my house on Thanksgiving when we lived in East Northport. Recently, after Karen retired we vowed to see each other more often and we did but it was ever so short. Her smile was infectious, she was just a wonderful friend. I am so sad.

Karen and Jan just after Karen retired in OC, NJ

Janet Meehan

May 30, 2014

Judy Soifer

May 29, 2014

Dear Orofino Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep a picture of your mother, and John your wife, somewhere you can see it everyday. A picture of when she was healthy. Talk to it as much as you want. She'll always be listening. You'll find the answers in your heart where her memory will always be. Don't worry about forgetting her, because you never will. Never. I wish I could tell you that one day you won't miss her, but that never happens. The pain does ease, however over time. It's replaced by a smile when you see her face, because you've thought of something she taught you, or something you want to pass on to your children. I say all of this, because I lost my father when I was Alex's age. He meant the world to me, but now I can truly say when I see his picture I smile. I still talk to him: ask his advice. Still think of him. I haven't forgotten him. He's in my heart. I wish al of you the best in this difficult time.

Bill Fine

May 29, 2014

Although Karen and I met in NY as competitors, I have only thought of her as a friend. And will always retain the memory of someone you instantly liked and felt was very familiar to you from day one. She was that genuine and will surely be missed by all.

May 29, 2014

I worked with Karen at Katz back in the early 80's we had some fun times together. I am so saddened by news of her passing. My prayers to those she left behind.
Terry Dreher

May 29, 2014

My entire family's thoughts and prayer are with the Orofino family.

The Rices at 165 Stanford Ave ( Rice, Poulhazan and Poulhazan families)

Carrie Dinkelspiel

May 29, 2014

I was privileged enough to have known and worked with Karen. She always had wonderful things to say about her family. She will be sorely missed. Sending her family lots of warm thoughts.

May 29, 2014

Dear Orofino family,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Karen was a such a lovely, wonderful person, always enjoyed her company.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss.
Joanne,Phil,Michael and Monica Yorio

May 29, 2014

Karen will always be remembered with such fondness and love. A beautiful person. Sincere condolences to all of those who loved her and shared her life.

Ellen Vitarelli Brandi

Stanton Jones

May 28, 2014

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Karen. She was a cherished associate of mine at Katz and a dear friend. She married a great man and I know was a dedicated mother. She loved to laugh and was a lot of fun to be around. She made it easy to come to work and was extremely smart and had amazing people skills. I am so sorry for your loss and pray for God's embrace upon all that are hurting.

Kelly Peterson

May 28, 2014

While I didn't know Karen, except in passing, I knew enough to admire her. As a coworker of her son, I see all the values she instilled in him: a positive attitude, hardworking nature, and a care for others that makes him an exemplary human being. He swears all of that comes from his mother. That means that I know in small part what a loss will be felt by the community, and most importantly, the family of this beloved woman. She has left a mark on the world with the legacy of her family and friends, and even on me, secondhand. To the Orofino family, I offer sincere condolences on your great loss.

Kellin Patler

May 28, 2014

Thoughts and prayers to the entire Orofino Family. I have fond memories of Karen cheering passionately and loudly from the stands at many Mill Valley Little League games. Lots of love to you all.

May 28, 2014

My condolences to the Orofino family. Karen was a funny and dear friend, colleague and true television sales professional. She will be very much missed. mike eguchi

May 28, 2014

John, we were so sorry to hear of your wonderful mother's passing. We didn't get the opportunity to personally meet her but we have met you as her wonderful family ambassador. We will remember her in a Mass at St. Mary's and will offer our prayers and thoughts for her and your entire family especially now in your time of grief. All our positive vibes, and all the best. Hang in there as that is what she would have wished for. With deep sorrow.

Mr & Mrs Peter Milcovich and Family

Queenie Taylor

May 28, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear about this. It's way too soon to lose such a positive and loving person.

amy nachman

May 28, 2014

Karen was one of the most intelligent, enthusiastic, likeable people in our business. I met her in 1983 when i moved here from Atlanta. I had many challenging negotiations and attended many jovial events with Karen at Katz, KRON and KNTV. She will be missed with all of our hearts - a true rarity.

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