Kara Brenda Schatz

Kara graduated from Hersey High School in 1998. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bloomsburg University of PA in 2002. In 2015 Kara obtained her Master’s of Education in Special Education at Arizona State University.

Kara had a passion for special needs children which showed in her dedication to providing respite and habilitation to them. She worked for many years volunteering her time with Special Olympics, Gilbert Roadrunners. It could easily be said that Kara shined her best when interacting with children because it came easy to her, so progressing to a special education teacher seemed like a natural fit. Laughingly, she would joke that "she helped corrupt young minds".

Kara loved to work with her hands. She loved to crochet, cross-stitch and shared her foodie soul with friends and family alike. Kara was excited at the idea of joining the two and opening up her own shop focused on her love of “Pugs and Pastries''.

Kara had a mythical connection to the 1920’s, British history, and her most loved television binge was cooking shows. During her younger years Kara loved to travel, camp, and anything to do with the ocean. She wanted to have the world at her fingertips but often enjoyed serenity through quiet times. Kara would get a cup of coffee and take a drive to enjoy centering herself through solitude. She loved walks around the park, which she happily shared with nobody, except Brett, once. Kara had a dark and witty sense of humor and a true hatred for glitter, which always seemed to find its way into the house and car. Kara’s favorite book was “Don’t Stop the Carnival” by Herman Wouk.

Whether it was daily phone calls, a quick text message, or words filled with laughter and joy, Kara was a bright shining star that made many people smile and laugh often. Her smile and passion for life was infectious.

Kara’s life changed when she met and fell in love with Brett. Kara loved that Brett loved her for who she was. Kara and Brett balanced each other out. As newlyweds, they were each other's world and the love they shared for their pugs was sweet to see. Kara wanted to be the best version of herself for Brett, not because he wanted it, but because she wanted it.

Kara loved her family and often shared that her fondest memories of her parents were planning family gatherings with her mother, and driving cross country with her father. Kara had a close relationship with her brother Lou, she often told the funny story that occurred after he had a dental procedure along with other adventures they shared.

Kara’s sweet spirit was taken too soon.

Kara is survived by her beloved husband Brett Schatz and her two beautiful pug boys, Diego and Capone (AZ), her parents - John and Brenda Jensen (AZ), brother - Lou (Carrie) Starzl (PA), mother-in-law - Christina Schatz (NM), sister-in-law, Lisa (Matt) Vance (NM), nephews - Cory Snyder (PA), Derek Snyder (AZ) and Rowan Vance (NM), niece - Amanda Snyder (AZ), and some very cherished friends.

Kara was preceded in death by her beloved dog Harley Sue, her sister Amy Bonawitz (PA), her grandfather Darrel Dunagan (AZ), her uncle Randy Dunagan (IA), and a very cherished friend.

Kara would say, “I love you to the moon and back”, and Brett would reply “I love you to Pluto and back”. True love written in the stars, until we meet again.

Family and friends are welcome to join in honoring Kara at her memorial service on Saturday, March 27, 2021 starting at 10am at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 South Power Road Mesa, AZ 85206.