Karen began her life”s journey on Oct. 1, 1950 as the daughter of Stanley H. Soder and Mary Lou (Soder) Reed. Her journey ended on June 3, 2007, after valiantly fighting her illness for six years. She grew up in Walnut Creek and Concord when they were still small in size. She loved Lakeport because it has the same friendly atmosphere she felt growing up. She had a wonderful, zany sense of humor and was quick to use it. She made friends easily — she never met a stranger — and she was generous to a fault (if there is such a thing).
Karen spent her adult life in the medical field, first in nursing then in hospital administration as a Director of Patient Services and Accounting for hospitals in several states. At one time she was the Health Department Manager for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians in Lakeport. She was particularly fond of very young and very old people and took special care of their needs.
Karen was a gourmet cook, an artist (mostly oil painting) and loved interior decorating. In her “salad days” she could make an apple crate a functional work of art! Her mother fondly called her “Paula Stewart” in reference to Paula Dean and Martha Stewart.
Karen was predeceased by her father, Stan Soder, brother, Gary Soder, and her niece Michelle.
She is survived by her loving mother, Mary Lou Reed; daughters, Lisa (Jared) Alexander and Shawn Simpson; special nephew, Daniel Soder; and grandchildren, Zachary and Caitlin Alexander. She reluctantly left her extended families, Vern, Phyllis and Shari Hough and the entire Don Browning family, as well as special friends Barbara, Nanci, Ed, Dave, Lorraine and many, many others.
There will be no services following cremation by Jones Mortuary. A celebration of Karen”s life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at the Del Lago cabana at 100 Via Del Lago. Friends are cordially invited.
Arrangements by Jones Mortuary. Please sign the online guest book at www.jonesmortuary.com.
Please sign the guest book at www.record-bee.com. Click “Obituaries.”
(Published in the Record-Bee on Friday, June 8, 2007.)
