Karen Elizabeth Frasch

Karen Elizabeth Frasch, born March 31, 1975 in Woodland Hills, California, passed away suddenly on February 13, 2024 due to complications from a surgery. She was a vibrant soul, nurturing mother, devoted wife, beloved sister and daughter, cherished friend, and dedicated teacher. She leaves behind a tapestry of love and joy that touched the hearts of all who knew her. Karen is preceded in death by her loving father, Edmund Ganley, and survived by her daughter Emily, husband Steven, mother Maureen, sisters Mary Ellen (Michael) and Susan (Darren), and nieces and nephews Cal, Cate, Claire, Maya, and Liam.

A proud alumna of La Reina High School and Gonzaga University, Karen carried the values of education, faith, and community throughout her life. These institutions shaped her into the compassionate, spirited woman we knew and loved.

After going back to school following an earlier career in the insurance industry, Karen found her calling in education. Her classroom was a haven of inspiration and joy where she instilled a love for curiosity in a myriad of young minds. Her enthusiasm for learning was contagious, and she approached each day with an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those she taught.

Ed and Maureen’s middle daughter, Karen was “the FAV”—a shining light who saw happiness in the smallest of moments. She entertained her sisters during long road trips to Trinity Alps and continued the tradition by curating travel bingo and scavenger hunts for her nieces and nephews. Karen knew how to brighten any situation with a warm embrace or a witty comment.

Karen and Steven were married in 2015, and together they built a beautiful family. She embraced motherhood with boundless love and devotion. Emily was the center of her universe, and with Steven, Karen created a world for her filled with laughter, imagination, and countless adventures. Karen had a goal of camping at every state park in Washington with Steven and Emily; she loved to explore nature’s wonders and share God’s creations with her family. She cherished every moment spent with her precious Emily, imparting a love for life that will forever echo in her daughter's heart.

She was a steadfast joy-maker who made a point of showing up to everything for everyone in her life. Whether she was coaching her nieces and nephews, cheering on Emily, or volunteering at the Starlight Foundation, Karen sparkled everywhere. With a proudly emblazoned smile and a can-do attitude, there was no ask too great and no thing too small to celebrate with a trip to Pao’s Donuts.

Karen decked out her wardrobe, daughter, and life in pink—her favorite color. It symbolized the vibrancy and positivity that radiated from her every laugh. She embraced life with a zest that mirrored the joyful hue she held dear.

We will be honoring Karen with a funeral mass, which will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Friday, February 23, 2024 at noon, and a reception will follow in the Church hall. For those that are unable to attend in-person, the funeral mass will be accessible via livestream, please click the link below to access.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to a GoFundMe campaign in Karen’s memory to support Emily and Steven during this challenging time.