Karen Margaret Magnussen

1945 - 2020

BORN

1945

DIED

2020

Karen Magnussen Obituary

Karen Margaret Magnussen (Tobin)

Phoenix - Karen Margaret Magnussen (Tobin) age 75, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home, with her family by her side on July 3, 2020. Karen was born June 2, 1945, in San Mateo, California, to Thomas M. (Tobe) and Helen M. Tobin. After graduating from South Fork High School in Northern California, she enrolled at Fresno State University. During her freshman year, Karen met the love of her life, Steve. They married in November, 1965. Karen was preceded in death by her parents Tobe and Helen Tobin, and her beloved husband, Steve, of 43 years. She is survived by her children, David (Georgia) of Virginia Beach, Virginia and her daughter Diane of Lyons, Colorado, her sisters Patty Mosby (Gregg), of Phoenix, Arizona, Joanne Angeli of Cloverdale, California, her brother Tom Tobin (Anita) of Foster City, California, her brother-in-law John Magnussen (Kristy) of Winnetka, California, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Karen and Steve had a wide circle of friends whom they met during Steve's work assignments with the US Bureau of Reclamation. They hailed from Sacramento, California, Henderson, Nevada, Washington, D.C. and Phoenix, Arizona. They both shared the love of travelling to various parts of the world. Karen was an avid bridge player, she belonged to more than one book club, she loved the arts, especially movies and Broadway plays. Tennis was her game, but any board or card game kept her in a competitive mood! During the past 11 years, Karen has volunteered many, many hours as a member of the Assistance League of Phoenix. She loved being able to spend time with the children. Karen loved her family and friends. Anyone who ever met Karen, felt an immediate connection. She was caring, compassionate and always had a joke or good story to tell. Karen left our world too soon, she will be deeply missed by many. Due to COVID, a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to one of the following or a charity of your choice. Assistance League of Phoenix, 9224 North 5th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85020 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jul. 20 to Jul. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Magnussen

3 Entries

Pam Jones

July 23, 2020

From the moment I set foot at the Assistance League of Phoenix, Karen & Patty embraces me and made me feel welcome. Karen was very active in the Hugs project - providing teddy bears to children in crisis situations and we loved her warmth, sense of humor and her (still warm out of the oven) goodies. She will always remain in my heart and will forever be missed.

Michael Collins

July 22, 2020

I was saddened today to read of Karen's passing. My deepest sympathy to the family.

I met Karen and Steve in the early 2000s at then Bank One Ballpark. I was a season ticket holder and they had partial season seats next to mine for Tuesday's and Friday's. I always enjoyed seeing them walk up the steps on those nights to share a night at the D-backs games.

The visits were always enjoyable and it was fascinating to hear of their travel adventures. I remember in particular their trip to the Galapagos Islands. One night Steve brought in his photo album sharing the pictures of that trip. Later there was a trip to southeast Asia. I remember thinking I would have liked to tag along with them on that trip.

Now they are both gone but will not be forgotten. Although a stranger to all the family just know that you're mom & dad were always the nicest people I ever met at the ballpark.

As time went by the stopped attending games but I never forget them. Even now 15 years later I remember the enjoyable nights we shared at the ballpark talking baseball and hearing of their travel adventures.

I extend my sympathy to all the family.

Michael Collins

July 22, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I remember her and Steve from going to Diamondbacks games in the early 2000s. I had full season tickets and they had the partial package on Tuesday's and Friday's. I always enjoyed the nights when they were at the ballpark.

For whatever reason they took a liking to me and I always appreciated that. They were great to visit with and were happy to share of their travel experiences. I particularly remember their trip to the Galapagos Islands and the night Steve brought his photo album of that trip.

Later there was a trip to southeast Asia. I remember thinking at the time I would have like to travel along with them just to tag along and see the sights with them.

They stopped going to games so we lost touch over time, but never did I forget them. I always looked forward to the nights they went to the ballpark.

I extend my condolences to the family for not only the loss of Karen but Steve as well.

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