Karen Steinmetz Obituary

Karen Louise Steinmetz
Mar. 22, 1958-Aug. 19, 2013
Resident of Pacifica
Karen, 55, passed away Monday morning after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born to Carolyn and the late Richard Steinmetz in Staten Island, New York, grew up in Stockton, California where she graduated from Lincoln High School and received a BA in Psychology from UC Davis before embarking on a long career in drug development and research. After some years at work, she returned to studies and received her PhD in toxicology from Indiana University. Karen worked at several Bay Area biotechnology pharmaceutical companies before returning to SRI International. She spent over 30 years in the fields of early drug discovery, safety and preclinical development in a wide variety of pharmaceutical products.
When Karen was not at work she loved spending time with her family, the outdoors, traveling and exploring, good food and wine, hanging out with friends, skiing, painting, playing piano and other creative ventures. She especially liked hanging out with her beloved dog Atlas, and cat Plomari.
Karen is survived by her devoted husband Peter and step-children Alexander, and Cassandra, and her loving mother Carolyn, sister Kristin, brother Erik, and nephew Andrew.
In lieu of flowers, Karen has requested that donations be made to KQED public television station or to the charity of your choice.
Karen's visitation is at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home on Monday, August 26, between 10 am to 11 am. Interment will follow at Olivet Memorial Park.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Aug. 21, 2013.
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My sincere condolences to family and all who mourn Karen's passing. I was a client of her father's in the 1980's and knew her to be the apple of his eye as were her siblings, each in a very special way. May you each find comfort now since the holidays surely hold special memories and strength in the arms of each other. May she live on in the work she did, in those she sought to cure and and the people she loved.

Blessings and deepest sympathies,
John Byrne

John Byrne

January 6, 2014

I am very saddened to hear this news. Karen was the outgoing president of GETA as I took on the role of treasurer. Although I have not been in contact with her for many years, I remember her positive energy and sense of humor! my thoughts and prayers are with her family during this very difficult time.

Marina Chiarappa-Zucca

August 26, 2013

Karen was an energetic, dynamic and fun-loving person. She'd walk into a room full of science geeks at the local professional meetings, and the place would light up. You left us too soon and we will all miss you, Karen! Thanks for the smiles!

Melanie Marty

August 22, 2013

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