Martin, Karen SAN DIEGO -- Karen B. Martin passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, of colorectal cancer. She was born on April 22, 1969, at Fort Ord Hospital in Monterey, California, to Edward and Elizabeth Martin. Karen grew up in San Diego with her older brother, Brad, and younger sister, Linda. As a child, she was active in softball and modeling. She was a hard worker who managed to earn excellent grades, hold down multiple jobs and still find time to have fun with her friends. Karen graduated from La Jolla High School in 1987 where she was voted class clown two years in a row. After earning her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Social Work from San Diego State University, she began her career with San Diego County Child Welfare Services. Karen became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2005. She is revered by her colleagues and remembered for her accomplishments made through her Better Outcomes curriculum, Neighborhoods for Kids, the Case Plan Field Tool she developed, Safety- Organized Practice curriculum and the Casey Family Programs Practice Model and Training curriculum. She was also honored to work for the Alex Smith Foundation. This past September, Karen was hired as a Program Director for Family and Children Services of San Francisco County. Karen's life was spent working tirelessly on behalf of children and families. Karen will be remembered for her integrity, sense of humor, creativity, leadership and development skills, mentorship, humility, tenacity and a deep commitment to the safety of children everywhere. Karen is survived by her wife, Krista Terbush; her daughter, Katie Nobel; her parents, Ed and Betsy Martin; her sister, Linda Martin and her husband Steve Williams; brother, Brad Martin; her beloved nephews, Luke and Ethan Williams; nephew, Christopher Johnson; and niece, Kaeley Martin. A memorial service for Karen will be held on Monday, February 3, at 1pm at The Jacobs Center at Market Creek, 404 Euclid Ave., San Diego. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Karen Martin Scholarship fund through the Alex Smith Foundation. Donations can be mailed to: 4665 Gaviota Ct., Bonita, CA 91902. Donations will also be collected at the memorial.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Feb. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Martin

43 Entries

Jimmy Emory

January 29, 2017

I only briefly knew you but cherished our time together. You are dearly missed.

Joanne Pritchard

March 3, 2014

Words cannot possibly describe my shock and sadness when I heard about Karen's illness and passing. From the first time I met her, I was in awe. Her passion, knowledge, and practice with families in the field of child welfare continues to inspire me. Karen's spirit was always so bright. I learned so much from her as a fellow trainer. I could tell almost immediately when talking to someone from San Diego County if she had been their manager. Her work in the field of child welfare was nothing short of courageous. She moved beyond system barriers to implement practices that honored and respected families. Karen was truly amazing and one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Please know how many lives she touched during her time on this earth. I am personally committed to continuing her vision. I am lucky to have known Karen.

Brian Smith

February 14, 2014

Karen,
We had some great times! I remember when you found out you were pregnant and you told me you were having the baby. This helped create the wonderful life you experienced. I am so glad I had the chance to grow up with you. I love you so much! See you on the other side when I get there. Love, Love, Love, Love, Love and miss you so much!!!!!

Rosie Mayzum

February 9, 2014

You came to us as a trainer- but became a mentor to many of us. Such an inspiration to me-not just in child welfare but in how to be a better person and continue to grow. I will never ever chew gum in a training again! Rest easy....we will never forget you!

Donna Pence

February 7, 2014

I met Karen in 2002 while working as a trainer for the Public Child Welfare Training Academy. She was interested in doing whatever she could to support her social workers and enhance their skills. She was passionate about improving the lives of the children and families she and her staff worker with. Over the years Karen took her ideas and vision and developed and shared them wherever so had the opportunity. She touched so many social workers lives through her sharing and caring work. Her legacy will live on through the work of the men and women she inspired.

Renee Miles

February 6, 2014

Karen was one of the most sincere and vivacious people I had the joy of meeting. I learned so much from her and I can only hope to impart a fraction of that wisdom on others. Her loss will forever leave a mark on the field of child welfare. She will be sadly missed.

Heather Riley

February 6, 2014

I am extremely grateful that I had the chance to work with Karen and to witness the power of her creativity, insight, humor, determination and most of all, her presence. She made everyone feel special and unique by just simply being herself and sharing herself with others. She was a shining example of how to walk in this world full of purpose, joy and love. XOXO

Laura Schott

February 6, 2014

I am saddened to hear this and feel extremely fortunate to have had her as a trainer for the past year. She was a gift to child welfare and gave so much to so many. Truly a loss that will be felt by many.

Emma Tidmore

February 5, 2014

Your smile and energy always sent a positive message. Will always remember you.

Briana C.

February 5, 2014

I had the honor of working with Karen and was always inspired by her spirit, her commitment, and her dedication to best practice in Child Welfare. I am deeply saddened at this loss but know that her work will live on through all of us whose lives she touched.

Mary Ann Cerasoli

February 4, 2014

It was my great pleasure to have worked with Karen during her time in San Francisco. I didn't know her very well, but was impressed by her intelligence, warmth, beauty, and generosity. She was so passionate about the work and was such a positive and vibrant person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this painful time of loss.

Shanda Blackmon

February 4, 2014

I will always remember Karen with love and laughter- She brought joy to everyone she met. -Shanda Blackmon, MD

February 4, 2014

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL LEGACY YOU LEFT. Missing you deeply.

-Mary E. Gilder

Maryann Paschal

February 4, 2014

You touched my life in so many ways...you will be missed by so many people, thank you for making this world a better place, you will not be forgotten!...

Connie Williams

February 3, 2014

There are no words to truly express the gravity and impact that she had on so may of us. I do know for sure, that her inspiration and forever-energy will continue to push me, and so many others, in better serving children and families. She will never be forgotten.

Maggie Swartz Browning

February 3, 2014

Oh team! I'm so sad for your loss. What a star. What a force. So simply Karen. She leaves a void but yet the world is such a better place for the love she shared, the ones the loved, and those she inspired. Rest in peace, beautiful one!

Judy Long Pharaoh

February 3, 2014

Karen (aka Kmart) you will truly be missed.

Michelle Lustig

February 3, 2014

Karen made an indelable impact on the field and on the lives of everyone she encountered. The world is a better place because she was here. She will be remembered always for her tremendous contributions. Condolences to Krista and the entire Martin family.

Gail Remnant

February 3, 2014

Karen was an inspiration to myself and many others. I was a better social worker as a result of Karen's mentoring and training. Her dedication to foster kids was deep and she was a spirit of change in the field. She will be missed and I will be forever grateful that she touched my life. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen's family and friends.

Rosa Hernandez

February 3, 2014

Karen Martin forever changed my life. I met Karen in San Francisco back in 2011. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to have met such an amazing and inspiring woman. My heart hurts at her loss. My sincere condolences to her family. Until we meet again my friend.

Erika Ducati

February 3, 2014

A true fighter and advocate for children and families...Karen's bright light was inspiring, her smile and laugh infectious, and her dedicated work will go on...Condolences to the family.

Jeff Raulston

February 3, 2014

I was lucky to grow up with Karen. She was an amazing woman with so many wonderful traits! I will always remember her and cherish our friendship. She will be deeply missed.
My condolences to her family & loved ones.

February 3, 2014

Karen was such a friendly and beautiful person. In Jr. High and High school she was one of the people that stood out to me the most. Such a BRIGHT BRIGHT light. You will be dearly missed xoxo Tiffinee Salmas

Keri Bergman

February 3, 2014

My favorite professor in graduate school and mentor in social work and optimism. Rest easy, Karen. Your love and legacy will live on. <3

Erin Anderson

February 3, 2014

Went to school with Karen, what a hard worker she always was! Prayers to the Martin family.

Diane Forsythe-Blakeley

February 3, 2014

Hi Krista, I never had a chance to meet you but I did know Karen. I am just so sad to hear of her passing. She as you know was a wonderful human being. The world is a better place because of her. Sending you and her family all the good energy the world have to offer. Diane Forsythe-Blakeley

Gardiner Young

February 3, 2014

A fellow class clown ...you will be sorely missed and never forgotten!...Be Well KM!

Rebecca Hackett

February 3, 2014

My thought and prayers are with the Karen Martin family today. Thank you Karen for all the wonderful memories I have of you.

Stacy Hollomon

February 3, 2014

Karen, your passion for helping others will live forever through all of us! Heaven now has a very special Angel. You will be missed but never forgotten!

Patricia McCollough

February 3, 2014

Karen you were a very bright light in an otherwise sometimes dark occupation. There are many children that have and will benefit from your work in this field.

Stephanie Berkhemer

February 3, 2014

Karen, I did not know you but your hard work and love with commitment for children will never be forgotten!! May you rest in peace with our Heavenly Father!! ??????

Cindy Johnston

February 2, 2014

Karen you soared high here on earth and touched many lives. I cherish the times we shared together. Thanks for the memories!

Shannon Jimenez

February 2, 2014

Karen was one of those rare people who come along once in a great while, who really makes an impact on the world. Her commitment to helping children will continue on through the lives of the social workers she has influenced and impacted. Thank you for everything you have done. We love you Karen.

Angela Rowe

February 2, 2014

I will miss karen- her spirit and enthusasim for everything is contagious! She was such a mentor to me- she will be missed by all. I send my heartfelt sympathy to Krista and Katie.

Charisma De Los Reyes

February 2, 2014

A light so bright now shines infinitely...

Pam Toohey

February 2, 2014

Karen, you will be greatly missed by so many people. You have been an inspiration to me and a lot of other women. You have been a strong partner and supporter of the Birth Parent Association in East County since its conception and your encouragement has helped me through a few rough times. Thank you for all the work you've done and for all the positive changes you've made. You will be missed. Rest in Peace.

Preneka Burnham

February 2, 2014

I am heart-broken by the loss of an incredible colleague, and at the same time honored to have worked with such a passionate family advocate. Preneka Burnham

Liz Harris

February 2, 2014

I knew Karen for three short months when she came to work for San Francisco County. I count myself as lucky for the chance to have worked alongside such a vibrant, big-hearted and brilliant woman. She will be sorely missed.

Margaret Halstead

February 2, 2014

I will miss you my soul sister-until we meet again my dear friend.... Love always Margaret

Holly McMahon

February 2, 2014

Oh our sweet beautiful Karen! We will miss her so. We shared so many fun times with her and she was so easy to be with, a "great hang." Our sincere condolences to Krista, Karen's siblings and to her parents. She is a special, unique, stellar and one of a kind human being.
Holly and Jim McMahon

Cavanaugh

February 2, 2014

From our family to yours. Best wishes for your loss.

Jessica Newmyer

February 2, 2014

Love you Karen

Lisa and Frank Williams

February 2, 2014

We will always remember the times that we shared with Karen. She is a woman that had a lasting impact on this world. We already miss her. Love to all family and friends.
Frank, Lisa, Sidney and Frankie Williams

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