Karen was known for her humor, tenacity, and kindness.
Karen loved music, attending many concerts throughout her life and passing the same love to her daughter. Frequent trips included returning to the central coast as she was raised in San Luis Obispo, or spending time with her family at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo where she was a member. Karen was funny, and made those around her smile and laugh with her quick retorts and physical humor.
Karen started working at the age of 13 as a hotel maid and kept working until her final years. She graduated from Cuesta College with her Associates Degree in Nursing in 1989 before getting board certified and beginning work as an RN in Sacramento that same year. During her career, Karen served various populations. One of the first jobs Karen took as an RN was to provide care to gay men who were fighting AIDS. After that, she transitioned to providing care in group homes for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. In the years that followed she found herself in various positions with Fresno County, working at California Children’s Services, Department of Behavioral Health, the Public Health Department, and the Sheriff’s Department. From approving funding for care for children, ensuring those struggling with mental health issues were receiving proper care, and providing and overseeing care to the incarcerated, Karen approached every person she served with kindness and compassion, and she always did what was right.
Karen touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her, and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Karen is survived by her parents, John and Rachel, her two older sisters, Benita and Sandra, her niece Janelle, and her daughter Micaela.
A memorial video can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/1076499633/25b54ba342?share=copy
At Karen’s request, no service will be held. Condolences may be added and sent through this website: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/california/clovis/boice-funeral-home/2456
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo in honor of Karen Nunez's memory: https://fcz.org/support/#honoring-loved-ones.
