I am shocked and saddened to learn of Karen's passing. We first became friends in 1973, at the College Preparatory School in Oakland. She truly was a warm and kind person, intelligent and funny, too. Her smile brightened the room. May you find comfort in your memories.

It was my great privilege to have known Karen when she was a young woman.  I met her at the CPS high school where she was universally liked and respected.  I met up again with Karen at Yale University where, being a year ahead of me, she helped teach me the ropes.  I was honored that Karen called upon me as a character reference when she was applying for admission to the State of Maryland Bar.  I wrote:

“I know Karen to be an intelligent, warm, and sensitive person.  I judge her morals to be thoughtfully considered and highly developed.  Further, she is well educated and has accumulated many real world experiences such as working summers at a local government office in California, working for lobbying and legislative groups in Washington, D.C., and as an intern in Europe.  Karen’s fine character, solid education, and diverse experiences certainly qualify her to be a lawyer in Maryland or in any state; I’m sure she will be an excellent one.”

Having reconnected with Karen in the last couple of years, it was clear to me that she had fulfilled the promise she showed as a young woman.  My heart aches for her husband, children, sister, and everyone lucky enough have known her.  Although the world is diminished by her absence, I take some comfort that her memory remains alive in so many of us.

With heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Ms. Escobar.  May God’s Word bring you comfort, and may you find strength in knowing that others share in your sorrow. Losing someone we love is one of the most difficult trials we face in life. Yet the Bible gives us hope! It points to a beautiful future, as Isaiah 25:8 (and Revelation 21:3,4) promises: “God will actually swallow up death forever and Jehovah God will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” Please also read John 5:28,29. These wonderful verses have brought comfort to many who are grieving, myself included. I truly hope they bring you peace as well.  Once again, my deepest and sincerest condolences.

I hope you will be comforted to know that Karen exists in each person whom she touched. Her warm strength, conviction, and sense of justice stretched far. It reached me in profound ways over multiple years.
She was my best girlfriend at CPS (high school). We talked a lot during our formative years. Once after our French class with Madame Rech, we had a political conversation about women. I declared I was a Republican and could not support a particular position. She asked, "But, Jennifer, aren't you also a feminist?" "No, feminism is an "F" word," I responded with certitude. She followed up, but I was adamant that I was not a feminist. She let the idea drop but we remained friends.
I had no idea then that the seed of reasoning, which she planted in me that day, would sprout and then grow. Her question and then her gentle, understanding release changed me.
Later, we both went to law school. Our paths took us to different cities and states. However, I specialized in sexual harassment law and women's civil rights. I practiced and then taught law. I wrote the first textbook for my Sexual Harassment Law students. I became an ardent feminist (and Democrat). I counseled many young (often Republican) women and men as a civil rights teacher and feminist lawyer.
When I reconnected with Karen years later, she asked, "Do you remember when you told me that feminism was an "F" word? I did not. We laughed as she recounted our conversation,  and I recalled. Karen knew that she had changed me, gently. She reminded me of that day and I realized that she had opened the door to a new, more complex perspective. She had, quite literally, liberated me from my own narrow thinking. Later, I spread her outreach to hundreds of law students. 
I thanked her then and do so now, wherever she is-hopefully watching over us. Please know, as I do, that her impact in this world has been like a pebble thrown into a lake. Its ripple has extended to far shores. Her spirit exists as a gift in each of us.

I had the gift of being friends with Karen in high school and into college. She was both a bright light as well as a faithful friend through happy as well as challenging times.

My heart goes out to Karen’s family and all who now feel grief with her passing. Karen is in my prayers as she is embraced within God’s complete Love.

Karen was someone who stood out even in high school - intelligent, self-aware, and quietly accomplished. She was a gifted pianist, and even then it was clear that she combined discipline with sensitivity in a way that would carry her far.

What I remember most clearly is her kindness. I cannot recall a single instance in which she was anything but thoughtful and gracious toward others.

In the brief interactions I had with her again over the past year on our class Zoom calls, that same clarity and strength were evident. She was sharp, engaged, and still doing demanding work in service of the public - a reflection of the values she clearly lived by.

My hope is that the love and respect so many of us felt for Karen can now be carried forward to support the family she loved so deeply. She will be remembered with great admiration and gratitude.

I would like to send my deepest condolences to Karen’s family for their tremendous loss.
I met Karen in high school at the College Preparatory School almost 50 years ago.
After graduation we pursued different paths but luckily three years ago we reconnected as she joined our CPS alumni meetings; her dedication to a life in public service was impressive. We recently finished her yearbook page for our upcoming 50th CPS reunion where she proudly submitted a timeline of her life and pictures of her loving family. Karen was a wonderful person who was kind, loyal, meticulous, and strong.
I feel extremely privileged to have known her and am greatly saddened by her passing.
She will be dearly missed.

My sincere condolences to the Escobar family.  

Karen and I were schoolmates at the College Prep School in Oakland in the late 1970s.  As we both lived in the eastern suburbs, we shared the commute on many occasions, in her green Nova car.  Karen was even sweet to lend me that car for my driver's license test in Walnut Creek.  

I remember Karen as a cheerful and positive young person, optimistic, consistent, and a reliable friend.  I know she influenced me in good directions and made my and other schoolmates' lives better.  We were blessed to have known her.

To Dave and family I was shocked to hear of Karen’s passing please accept my condolences. We will keep her in our prayers and ask God to give you strength to carry on

I came to Fresno in 2004 when I started with DEA.  My first case was with Karen, as were several others.  She was a kind person but tenacious prosecutor.  She expected the best from you, because that's what she gave.  Although she was a colleague, she treated me like one of the family.  She left an impression on me that will last forever, and she will be greatly missed.
Christopher Coleman
Assistant Special Agent in Charge
DEA Phoenix Field Division

With my deepest sympathy, Karen was an amazing person of whom I was honored to have worked with. I spoke to her just last week. I have no words to describe how sorry I am.

Ms. Escobar earned her heavenly wings far sooner than anyone could have imagined, but we will forever honor her indomitable spirit and strength, which will continue to guide and inspire many including the Valley Children’s family. God bless the Escobar family.

Devastated to hear that Karen has passed away, and so sorry for your loss.  Karen was a great prosecutor, colleague, friend and, most of all, a great person with incredible compassion and grace.    Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.  Rest in Peace, my friend.

I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a wonderful person who was taken from us far too soon. My condolences to her husband, children and co workers. Karen will be missed so very much.

Helene Tenette
US Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California Victim Witness Program, Retired

OBITUARIO

Karen Ann Escobar

15 junio, 1958 – 14 diciembre, 2025

Lisle Funeral Home

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