Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1958
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Karen Escobar Obituary
Raised in Danville, Karen earned her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and her Juris Doctorate from Lewis & Clark Law School. She served for more than 35 years as an Assistant United States Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of California.
Karen is survived by her husband, David Escobar; her children, Caroline Frances Escobar and Mateo Cesar Escobar; her sister, Kathy Mitchell, her husband James, and their children, Kamila and TJ; her mother-in-law, Sara Escobar; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Frances Kalmanir.
Karen will be remembered for her quiet strength, devotion to family, and lasting impact on all who knew her.
The Viewing will be held at Lisle Funeral home on December 29 between 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Church on December 30 at 9:30 a.m. (Rosary) and 10:00 a.m. (Funeral Mass).
The Burial will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery on December 31 at 10:00 a.m.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Escobar
10 Entries
Manuel Duenes
February 8, 2026
David: So sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my wife in 2012, they are always with you on your heart. Hang in there old friend.
.
January 1, 2026
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Mike Kennedy
December 29, 2025
David -- I cannot express how very sorry I am for you and your children. I am a federal prosecutor in Utah and I worked on some cases with Karen. (You may recall I visited your home once for dinner many years ago.) What an amazing light Karen was -- I enjoyed every encounter with her. God Bless you all, Eternal Rest and Perpetual Light shine on her.
Sylvia Noyes
December 28, 2025
Dear Caroline and Family, Condolences and prayers to you in the death of your mother. You are beautiful and you look so much like her. It is so hard to lose your mother and especially at holiday time. May your family find comfort knowing that God's loving arms are wrapped around her in heaven. May she rest in peace. Amen. Sylvia Noyes former co-worker with Caroline at OLPH Catholic School
How you can show support
Pam & Jarrod Sumner
December 24, 2025
Dave, Caroline and Mateo you are in our thoughts and prayers. We knew Karen when my husband and Dave worked together at the DEA office in Fresno. My husband also had the opportunity to be involved in a couple of cases with Karen. It was a time when there were many young families in the office and Karen and Dave frequently hosted gatherings which allowed us to be a tight knit office. Karen had the most beautiful smile and sweet spirit. She was an outstanding attorney too. She was a devoted wife and mother. We enjoyed receiving the family Christmas card and update each year. We are completely broken-hearted for you. We pray that the memories of your amazing wife, mother will bring you peace during this difficult time. You are loved and being prayed for.
Lawrence J. Leiser
December 23, 2025
David, Caroline and Mateo, please accept my deepest condolences. I never had the pleasure of meeting Karen in person, but as the founder and Past President of the National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys (NAAUSA), I met with her via zoom once a month for several years. Karen, as a member of our Board of Directors, was always present at each monthly meeting. Karen keenly understood the importance of the contributions that she and approximately 6,000 other Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) made to our Constitution, the Rule of Law, and our system of justice to protect the innocent, prosecute the guilty, and be an advocate for victims. Her expertise as an AUSA, wisdom, and sage advice was always welcomed and highly regarded. In short, she made NAAUSA better by being a fierce advocate for her colleagues. We all owe her a grate debt of gratitude for all that she did on behalf of AUSAs nationwide.
I know there are no words that will eliminate the pain and loss that you are feeling. I hope the following from the Book of Wisdom 3:1-9 will help.
"The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.
they seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was
thought an affliction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be
punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be
greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them
himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as
sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the
Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love; because grace and mercy are with
his holy ones, and his care is with the elect."
Please know that you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of AUSAs across our country. Karen was a "spark" to us, I believe God found Karen to be very "worthy" and her trust in God helped her be the person she is who understood truth and abided with God in love for those that were blessed to know her.
Lawrence J. Leiser, AUSA (Ret.)
Eastern District of Virginia
Past President
National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys
Ann McGlenon
December 21, 2025
David and kids, I am so sad for your loss. I hope you can lean in to each other with love in this hard time.
The Birrell Family
December 20, 2025
David, Caroline, and Mateo, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Karen. She was such a wonderful person and we feel privileged to have known her, as we watched our children grow up together at St. Anthony´s, San Joaquin Memorial, and UC Davis. Our thoughts are with you as you navigate the grief and sadness of this time.
Beth McDonell
December 20, 2025
David and family, I´m so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. I´ve always cherished your whole family and I´m sure there will be a great void. Stay strong and keep your faith. My heart is breaking for you. Love to all of your family.
Max
December 20, 2025
Rest in Peace you beautiful angel
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Karen Escobar's name
Memorial Events
for Karen Escobar
Dec
29
Visitation
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Lisle Funeral Home
1605 L Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Dec
30
Funeral service
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730
Dec
31
Burial
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery
264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706
People and places connected with Karen
How to support Karen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Karen Escobar's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more