Karen Ann Garcia

She is survived by her daughter, Zaiden, 6; her mother, Ann McGowan (Edgar); her father, Joseph Garcia (Renee); brothers Dave Garcia and Mark Garcia; step-sisters Amber Alcaraz (Lawrence), Brandi Schnurbusch (Kyle), Michele McGowan, Rachel McGowan; and numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider a contribution to an educational trust fund that has been set up for Zaiden (Karen’s daughter) or perhaps a donation to The Denver Hospice. Please note: We are not requesting any contributions from anyone - your thoughts and prayers are more than enough; however, if anyone feels compelled to contribute, the information is below:

Educational Trust Fund:

Zaiden Victoria Von Schnier Irrevocable Trust

c/o Steve Rotello

UBS Financial Services

4643 South Ulster

Regency Plaza 1, Suite 1580

Denver, CO 80237

Denver Hospice:

(This organization was a great help to Karen and our family)

The Denver Hospice

501 South Cherry Street

Suite 700

Denver, CO 80246

Attn: Kathy Black

www.thedenverhospice.org

Karen was born April 14, 1968 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She cherished her Hawaiian roots, including her Hawaiian name, Puanani, which means “beautiful flower”. She learned to swim in the Pacific Ocean before she learned to walk.

When Karen was 2-years old, the family moved to New Jersey. It was in New Jersey where Karen developed her love for theater and music. Anyone who ever spent time with Karen was aware of Karen’s lifetime calling as an actress and performer. She had a beautiful singing voice and continued to sing until her last day.

Acting was Karen’s passion. Karen developed her love for the theater as a child in Montclair, NJ. She was heavily involved in the theater at Montclair High School and matriculated to the prestigious Mason Gross School of Theater at Rutgers University.

Karen eventually moved to New York City to pursue her passion. She regularly performed in plays and landed a small role in a New York-based soap opera before moving west to continue her chase for fame in Hollywood. In California, Karen continued her success by landing acting roles in plays, TV shows, and made-for-TV movies.

In 2004, Karen realized her ultimate passion as she filled the most important “role” of her life: The role of motherhood. Zaiden was born in 2004 and from the moment she arrived, she was Karen’s primary focus. Through Karen’s struggles over the last few years of her life (money, divorce, and cancer), she was defiantly loyal to Zaiden and always considered Zaiden before making any decision.

Karen was an extremely passionate, high-energy, strong-willed person. She lived through many diverse experiences in her 42 years. Perhaps she crammed more “living” into her 42 years than many people with longer lives. She played many roles in her lifetime, but her most important role was motherhood.

For more information on Karen’s life, go to www.reachforthejoy.org