Karen Kassis Cladianos

1942 - 2021

Karen Kassis Cladianos
April 10, 1942 - October 22, 2021
Sacramento, California - Karen Lee Kassis Cladianos passed away peacefully and with her family by her side on Friday, October 22, 2021 at the age of 79 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. She handled her journey through the stages of the disease with grace and her infectious laughter. Karen was a lifelong resident of Sacramento, California who was welcomed into this world on April 10,1942 by her adoring parents, Frank and Muriel Kassis, whom preceded her in death. She was the proud big sister to Frankie, Ronnie, Patty, and Kerry. She was the sweetheart and wife of her beloved David.
She is the treasured mother to Lisa (Barkley) Miller and Jeff, Bret Barkley and Juree, and Jennifer Barkley. She is the best Aya to her adoring eight grandchildren: Alex, Michael, Bradley, Katie, Connor, Kenedi, Abby, and Sammy.
Karen attended St. Philomene's Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Loretto High School in 1960. She went on to attend and graduate from California State University Sacramento, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree and teaching credential.
She joyously became a mother to Lisa Ann in 1965, Bret Samuel in 1967, and Jennifer Lee in 1971. Together they enjoyed trips to Lake Tahoe to visit Mar Mar, reading The Little Red Hen mostly because "she did all the work," making the rounds to Food Circus, Candlerock, the warehouse, and the Bowl to see Grandpa and gather supplies for Dairy Queen, and shopping at Gemco for new hair dryers!
Karen met her loving husband, David Cladianos, in October of 1983, and after many adventure-filled years of dating they were married on March 28, 1992. Together they enjoyed 29 years of marriage filled with love and laughter. They spent Friday nights at Sam's and Dos for dinner with their dear friends, shared an enthusiasm for his go-kart racing and her passion for John Denver, had the opportunity to travel near and far, and enjoyed the thrill of becoming grandparents together.
Karen was enamored with her grandchildren and was fortunate to be a part of their everyday lives, filling her with joy. Her spirit is evident in each of them, as they are kind, graceful, beautiful, people…her people.
Karen had a strong work ethic and was the proud owner/operator of two Sacramento area Dairy Queens where she employed and mentored countless teenagers, her children, mother and mother-in-law, and friends. While raising her three children, she worked tirelessly to make the business a success, and never complained once.
Karen lived a Christ-centered, full and blessed life. Her faith guided her through the trying times and the best of times. She was selfless, humble, funny, thoughtful, and a pure joy. She enters into Heaven where she is reunited with her parents and two of her brothers, and although she is sorely missed, her legacy will live on in her family and friends. A special and heartfelt thank you to Sonia, caregiver and friend. The world is definitely a better place because Karen was in it!
Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church 5057 Cottage Way Carmichael and will be followed by a celebration of Karen's life at North Ridge Country Club 7600 Madison Ave. Fair Oaks
Remembrances in Karen's honor can be sent the American Brain Foundation.
https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/
"Life is Good"