Karen Dawn Watkins

With her family around her, Karen Watkins died at home in the early hours of Friday, May 8, 2015 after a valiantly fought battle with cancer. Her husband, Francis Watkins and their three children, Dylan, Angie and Lita were home at her side comforting her in the final hours. Anyone who knew Karen, knew her to be a lover of nature, camping, hiking, scuba diving, card and word games, and her dog Blue. Her biggest love was for her family and friends, and they for her. She was a strong soul who knew what she wanted and one of those was Fran Watkins and then, their children. Fran and Karen were married 28 years. She was affectionately known as “the girl next door” since that is how they met. In their young adult years, not knowing each other, they purchased homes next door to each other, and the rest, as they say, is history. This family was inclusive of not only the immediate family but extended family and friends. Their joyous inclusion in camping and fishing trips, holidays and vacations are remarkable for not just the event or purpose of the celebration but truly living the activity. She was an active member of the Warms Springs Swim Club, former Little League assistant coach, and docent for Music for Minors in her children’s elementary school. A life well lived, Karen’s philosophy was to “always take time to take the scenic by-pass.” A beautiful flower or the scent of the air after a rainstorm were treasured by Karen. She thrived in the company of her children, her husband, her family and friends. She took the time to appreciate the smells, sights, and sounds of every day and every place she was in. She was the best example of how to live one’s life amidst such a life impacting illness. Karen graduated from Mission San Jose High School in 1972 and went on to college at California State University at Hayward. Following college, she worked many years as an Account Representative for L’Oreal in the San Francisco Bay Area. She left L’Oreal to enjoy the role of full time Mom, in addition to her advisory role in their landscaping company, Watkins Landscape. Karen is survived by her husband, Francis Watkins; their beloved children, Dylan, Angela and Luminita; her mother, Joyce Brown; her sisters, Sharon Brown Ravizza and Susie Buti; her brother, Teddy Brown; and her Uncle Harold Menze. Preceding her in death is her father Ted Brown. The family would like to give special thanks to the El Camino Hospital Oncology Team for the excellent care, kindness and compassion that they extended to Karen and the entire family. The family is asking, in lieu of flowers, that you spend time in nature, go on a hike, read a good book in her honor or, perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness in her name. Donations to the Marine Mammal Center http://www.marinemammalcenter.org , or Moss Landing Marine Labs https://giving.mlml.calstate.edu are greatly appreciated. Karen was passionate about the preservation of our environment, our oceans and our wildlife. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 17, 11am at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536.

Karen Dawn Watkins

February 25, 1954 - May 8, 2015