Karen Annette Saari

Born in Tucson, Arizona on November 25, 1961 passed away on May 12, 2015 along with Raul Carrillo her life companion, her Sons Erick and Christopher Carrillo and her Granddaughter Isela Rodriguez. She is proceeded in death by her parents Cecelia R. Saari, Father Marvin A. Saari and grandmother Hortencia R. Robles. Karen's grandmother Hortencia raised her from the time of her mothers passing in 1969. She is survived by her daughter Leilani C. Carrillo and Daniel R. Carrillo, Grandchildren Erick Borquez, Erick Jr., Eileen, Daleysa, Victoria, Isabella and Christina. As well as her sisters Cindy Gamez and Kim Ortega (Michael). Karen grew up in Pirtleville, Arizona until 1989 when she moved to Tucson. She attended Sunnyside High School and Pima Community College. She worked for the State of Arizona as an administrative secretary for 24 years. Karen loved life and enjoyed being around people. She was dedicated to her children and her joy was her grandchildren. She strived to improve her house, enjoying home improvement projects she made it a home. She smiled and laughed even when she was sad and loved to make people happy. Memories of her jolly laugh and cheerful smile will always uplift us and we will all miss her warm, unique dancing hugs.

Karen at work...

As Karen’s supervisor, she was my right hand, my rock. She kept the office running smoothly making sure that staff always had everything they needed. Karen’s smile and her laugh were contagious and she always greeted others warmly. It didn’t matter how long some of our new staff had known Karen; because of her welcoming nature and ability to put others at ease, they too felt her loss along with those of us who’d known her longer. Every Friday morning Karen and I, and any co-workers nearby, would do a little Happy Dance. Karen and I used to laugh that because we were the same age and a bit older than some of the younger staff, that our Happy Dance was just a little slower and just a little more tired than the others.’ Karen took great pride in her work and doing it well. She cared greatly for the staff and the feeling was mutual. She will be deeply missed by all of us at Adult Protective Services.