Karen Witter

Karen Witter, a humble and beautiful spark from the divine fire, slipped suddenly and peacefully from the lives of her family and friends Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, at Sierra Vista Hospital. After years of battling rheumatoid arthritis, Karen''s immune system couldn''t overcome a sudden highly virulent infection. Karen was born in Oakland in 1945, one of two daughters. After graduating from Fremont High School and business school, Karen worked in the insurance business in the Bay Area for 32 years. Karen met her husband-to-be, Jack Witter, in 1986 - they married three years later. They lived together in Lafayette, Calif., and enjoyed hiking, biking, skiing and traveling. They relocated to Cambria in 2000. In addition to redecorating her lovely home, Karen thrived in her gardens, worked tirelessly with women struggling with addictions, volunteered generously to the community and served on the Board of the Cambria Connection. Her love impacted many lives. Karen''s license plate, "Just Trust" was the guiding touchstone of her life. In addition to her husband, Jack, Karen left behind a loving sister, Sharon Thompson; two nieces Janet Thompson and Karon Lynn Hastings; and a very favorite great nephew, Cade Hastings. A memorial celebration of Karen''s life was held in Cambria. Donations in Karen''s memory would be most graciously received by the Cambria Connection, 870 Main St., Cambria, CA 93428.