Stockton, CA
March 13, 1963 - April 8, 2007
Our beautiful Karyn lost her six year battle with breast cancer on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007 in St. Joseph's Hospital at the age of 44 years. Born in Fresno, CA she had lived in Stockton the last 34 years and was a graduate of Lincoln High School. She worked for Industrial Indemnity Company and Campbell's in the Village until her love for children eventually led to her working for the Stockton Unified School District.
She is survived by her loving husband, Mark Salazar; and sons, Markos and Mathiew Salazar and Jeremy Racoma, all of Stockton; parents, Joyce and Norman Johnston of Stockton and Dennis Zimmermann of Wisconsin; sister, Kimberlee Zimmermann of Wisconsin; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Rosie and David Salazar of Stockton; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Denise and James Vasquez and a niece/goddaughter, Kristen Vasquez of Stockton.
With heavy hearts and at Karyn's request, a private family graveside service was held in Cherokee Memorial Park on April 12.
If desired, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 207 E. Alpine Ave., Stockton, CA 95204 in her memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jeremy Racoma
June 13, 2018
Hey mom, Its jeremy, not a day goes by i dont think about you. Just wanted to say that, Im sorry that i didnt make into the hospital to see you before you passed, (i know thats what you really wanted) You have two wonderful grandkids I would love you to meet. Aniyah Kayla Racoma 3yrs old, & Jae Ray Racoma 2yrs old. I wish you could of met them, and be apart of there lives going foward. Thanks for always being a great mother to me, and i look to pass the good life lessons to them, that you gave me. I'll never forget you mom!
Love always your son
Jeremy
Joyce Johnston
May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day, Sweetheart! My heart is so heavy today because you aren't here and has been a difficult day for all of us. You had a lot of people who went to see you today and left many flowers and mementos for you. We took flowers, as did Rosie and David and Denise, and Lela left flowers from her garden. Mathiew and Markos took a plant and flowers they made in school for you as well as a card. Mark left a wonderful card and message for you. You would have been pleased! The trees have been planted in the Garden of Angels and the Angels are about ready to be put on the pedestals. It will be such a lovely area when it's done and we know you would have approved of our choices for you. My heart aches every day for you and I miss you so very, very much. I love you! XXOO Mom
Russ and Mollee Johnston
April 28, 2007
You are so strong. It took such perseverence to get you this far! You have inspired me in so many ways Karen. There you were, in the thick of your own cancer journey, supporting what we were going through with Dick Johnston. You were so steadfast, so insightful with your perspectives. You were a pillar to help the family get through that difficult time. You gave us all wings to fly and roots to grow.....you did that. WE love you for all you are and will hold you dear to our hearts -- We will see you again!
Sheila Velarde
April 27, 2007
While I am sorry that Karyn lost her battle, I hope you can find comfort in the fact that she is now pain free and no longer has to struggle. While she will be greatly missed by her family, she is with God and surrounded by love. May God's love surround Karyn's entire family. All my love. . .
Monica Rodrigues
April 22, 2007
When I think of Karyn, I think of Sunshine. She had such a brightness about her. So positive, so thoughtful and so funny. Although it is such a heartbreak losing her, may the good memories of your time together comfort you. And every time the sun shines down on a beautiful day, think of it as Karyn smiling down on you from heaven. With loving memories....
Shelly Woehrle / Michelle Marek
April 21, 2007
My heart is burdened by the weight and the heaviness of grief and morning at the passing of my dear and precious friend Karyn.
True and genuine friends such as Karyn are few in number and rare indeed. I will forever cherish the many memories and experiences that we shared throughout our long friendship dating back to the seventh grade and can't help but smile through these tears of sorrow as I recount them all....
I take a great deal of comfort in (and hope this will also comfort all of those who knew and loved her, especially Joyce & Norm)remembering the day that Karyn accepted an invitation to attend evening church service wih my son and I many years ago when she was 32 years of age. It was that night at the altar that she prayed what is known among Christians as "The Sinners Prayer" whereby she repented of her sins and asked Jesus Christ to come into her heart and be the Lord and Savior of her life and it was this simple prayer and her commitment to the Lord from that point on that secured her eternal life in the glory of heaven.
I know that our time together here on earth has drawn to a painful close; but I know, that I know, that I know that we will laugh again together in the splendor and the glory of heaven in the presence of our blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ where life will be eternal and pain and sorrow and sickness and disease will be no more.
Until we meet and talk again, it only seems appropriate for me to now say what we always said without fail at the close of all of our conversations;
I love you, I love you too....
-
Jeff Johnston
April 21, 2007
Norm, Joyce and Family,
Our thoughts are with you all....
Love, Jeff Gina Niki Neil and Nathan
Carol Johnston
April 21, 2007
Our family mourns the loss of Karyn and admire her perserverance to conquer!! Wishing strength to Mark & the boys to take over the challenge ahead, no doubt Karyn will watch over & guide you. Joyce & Norm you have fond memories to recall, good times to discuss & exciting years ahead watching the activities & development of Mathiew & Markos. She was so blessed to have all of you there to support her.
CARROLL CAMINATA
April 21, 2007
DEAR MARK,
HOW SADDENED I WAS TO HEAR OF KARYN'S PASSING. I WISH TO EXPRESS MY SINCEREST CONDOLENCES.
CARROLL CAMINATA
Teresa Diaz
April 20, 2007
To Mark and Family....My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I will miss Karyn's friendship and wonderful smile.
Mona Santiago
April 20, 2007
Joyce, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I ran into Karyn a few months ago. We shared stories and she was giving it her all to fight this battle. May all your good memories bring you comfort to let you know Karyn is always with you.
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Mona Santiago
Russ Johnston
April 20, 2007
We'll miss you Karyn. Love, Russ, Mollee, Tori and Claire.
Debbie Ross
April 19, 2007
Karyn
There is so much I want to say and yet right now the words just wouldn't do justice to you or our friendship. IT hurts so much! You were an awesome friend, it was an awesome friendship while we were together and was so missed while apart.Your beauty shine both inside and out. I loved you so much and with you goes a part of my heart. JOYCE, Thanks for our talk on Thursday eve. It helped me so much as I hope it comforted you in some way.MY LOVE AND RRAYERS are with you and your family,.Debbie & Wesley Ross (april 19 2007)
Shirley Young
April 19, 2007
Our most sincere sympathy. We all met in St. Joseph's. Karyn shared a room with me. As a parent I feel your pain. I, my daughter and sons felt a place in their hearts for all of you, may god be with you.
Pam Seeger - Griffin
April 18, 2007
My heart is heavy from the news of Karyn's passing. She was never far from my thoughts and I am so glad that we were able to reconnect our friendship in the recent years. She was one of my very best friends and she has forever left her footprints on my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at such an incredibly difficult time. She will never be forgotten.
Cinnie Schwartztrauber
April 18, 2007
I loved Karyn so much and I will miss her everyday of my life! She and I shared so many good times and she was always fun to be with, it makes me smile thinking of her right now. Miss you girl. You are still my very best friend in the whole wide world!!!
Bob and Laurie Spaulding
April 18, 2007
To Joyce,Norman and Family, You are in our prayers for God's strength, peace and comfort during this difficult time. She was a beautiful and courageous lady and will be remembered always.
Vivian Dixon
April 18, 2007
I will continue to pray that God comforts you.
Shannon Smith Bushnell
April 18, 2007
To Joyce and Norm, I am so sorry for your loss. There has been many, many times over the years when I have remember the great times at your house on Hatchers Circle, the ship room, and the big white poodles (Sam was one of them). You where cool parents! Karyn has never been far from my heart over the years. She was my best friend from 7th grade through high school, though our paths went in different directions, she was and will always be a friend.
Erin Smith-Millar
April 18, 2007
To Karyn's Family...my heart and prayers go out to you. It is hard to believe we were room mates so long ago...24 years. God Bless you! What a beatitful angel she will make. Erin Smith Millar
Matt Zachocki
April 18, 2007
Mark and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. Please dont hesitate to call if there is anything you need.
Matt Zachocki and family
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