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Karen Stafford Obituary
Karen Stafford
Resident of El Granada
Passed away, Saturday, November 27, 2010 at age 65, after a long and courageous 18-year struggle with brain tumors. Karen grew up in Orinda and attended Miramonte High School from 1959-1963 and graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She briefly lived in San Francisco where she met her first husband, Jon Rantzman, with whom she traveled around the world for two years in their VW van. Returning to Berkeley, she remained a world traveler, pursuing her career as a gifted photographer until it was cut short by her illness. Karen was a lover of the arts, theatre, museums, symphony and opera as well as a dedicated docent. She was a beautiful, loving, caring person, who never had a bad word to say about anyone and never complained.
Predeceased by father Paul Stafford and nephew Jason Hunter, Karen leaves behind her adoring family: mother, Virginia Stafford of Moraga; sister, Kathrine Hunter of Santa Rosa; niece, Kelly vanZutphen (Ben) and their daughters, Savannah, Liliana, Eloise and Georgie of Healdsburg. For the last 17 years, Karen has resided in El Granada, with her long-time partner, Fred Wright. Their favorite pastime was enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Ocean from their home and walking along the beach.
A memorial service will be held at a future date. For more information, contact Miller-Dutra Coastside Chapel at 650-726-4474. Donations in her memory may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society at www.braintumor.org or 124 Watertown Street, Suite 2D, Watertown, Mass 02472.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Stafford
6 Entries
Lorna D'Onofrio
February 10, 2011
I knew Karen when I lived for a year and a half in San Mateo and we took an employment workshop together. I think it was a couple of years after her surgery and could no longer do her photography in the same way as before. She was so inspiring, friendly and beautiful inside and out.
She was a free spirit, kind of heart and generous. She was about 18 years older than me and I appreciated her wisdom and advice. I have thought of her often over the years and regret not having kept in touch. Condolences to Fred and her family.
Lorna D'Onofrio, Richmond Hill, Canada
Roni Rasmussen Beam
January 3, 2011
I enjoyed seeing Karen, happy and bubbly as usual, at the 2005 reunion. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.
Sheridan Stampley-Curtis
December 29, 2010
I was very sad to receive the news about Karen. I graduated with her in the class of '63' from Miramonte High School. I have very fond memories of her smiles and good sense of humor. Bless you!
Allison Stampley Sexson
December 29, 2010
I am sad to hear of Karen's passing. I have many fond memories of our high school years as "Pom Pom Girls" together. Karen has a beautiful soul.
Teri Greenwood
December 7, 2010
I knew Karen only briefly, but she truly was loving and caring and was a positive force for all those whose lives she touched. My condolences go out to Fred and her entire family.
Susie Rochester Hardy
December 6, 2010
I am very sad to hear about Karen's death. She will be missed!
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