Memories

It was in the early to mid-1990’s when I was teaching evening business classes at Sierra College. There was this one young woman who always sat at the front of the class. She obviously had come from work. I assumed that because she dressed so professionally. However, she had one quirk – she wore her worn-out sneakers. She was one of those hard-working, dedicated “A” students I enjoyed having in m...

I met Karen in high school where she was a year ahead of me at Oakmont. I can’t remember if we had any classes or clubs together but we knew each othe...

My name is Michelle Rommelfanger, and like so many of you, I was incredibly blessed to have Ms. Karen touch our lives. She was more than just a teacher — she was a gentle guide, a wise soul, and a constant source of kindness, peace, and love. Ms. Karen was our very first teacher on our children's educational journey. As a new mom with first-time kindergartners, I must’ve looked like a deer in head...

One of my favorite memories I have with Karen is associated with the camping trips we would take together. The usual crew from when I was little consisted of Darryl, Suzanne, Lacey, Daniel, Sherri, Sean, Haleigh, Donna, Karen, and Larry. She would be up early in the morning going hiking, or kayaking, and swimming. One time when we were younger we went to Bass lake. On a Kayaking trip, Karen and La...

A video of Karen spending time with loved ones

I came to Orangevale CMP in Jan of 2015 to work as Karen’s teaching assistant. From the first time I observed her with her students, I could tell she really cared about them and wanted them to get the most out of their time in her class. I loved her teaching style and the way she managed her classroom. Her interpersonal skills were sincere and she treated everyone fairly, including me. She knew a...

Karen was truly an exceptional human being. A kind and gentle soul, wise beyond her years, generous with her love and presence to all beings. Intelligent in the way she could see the big picture and connect the dots. Her love and care and sharing of Nature was beautiful and inspiring. On top of all that she was wickedly funny! I am honored to have shared this time and space with Karen and to hol...

Karen and I worked in Budget and Finance at Roseville Telephone Company together. We became friends. A group of us mom's started a Mom and Kid Camping group - no husbands! We'd try different campgrounds by a lake that were no more than 1 and 1/2 hours from Roseville each year. All our kids playing together and having adventures with other moms was the best! Until I had a bear visit my tent after a...

We had a joint 50th birthday party with Karen at the Flower Farm in 2010. She looked smashing in her mini dress and white gogo boots. We enjoyed many a morning sipping drinks at FF, our favorite hangout. I will always remember her loving heart and willingness to laugh. We would absolutely be there for the memorial, but moved to NC 4 years ago. Our thoughts are with Larry and her son.

So many memories of course, and the funniest ones are favorites to share. This is a picture of us three sisters with our kids in 1991. We had driven...

This is one of the best moments of how we remember Karen. Soo much love for her students.

I was only 12 years old in 2013... I lied about my age on facebook and she caught me😂