Karen Ann Dezso

Karen Ann Dezso, age 57, of Fresno, California passed away on May 14, 2024. Karen was born in Whittier, California at Presbyterian Intermediate Hospital on July 30th, 1966, to Donald and Rosemary Billman. She had two younger brothers, David Billman and Michael Billman.

Growing up, her passions included softball, swimming, and enjoying any time she could spend with the family outdoors and at the Akin family cabin in Sierra Meadows. She attended Cabrillo Lane Elementary, Haskell Junior High, and Artesia High School. The Artesia High School Swim Team is where she met her high school sweetheart, Steven A Dezso, and made some of her lifelong, closest friends. After graduation, she spent her formative professional years at Knott’s Berry Farm as a Ride Operator as she attended Cypress Community College, majoring in Psychology and Social Work.

Steven and Karen got married on August 9th, 1986, and shared 38 beautiful years together. Their four children, Kathryn (Brandon) Hess, Sarah Dezso, Jennifer Dezso, and Jonathan (Abby) Dezso, as well as their two grandchildren, Isaac and Llana Hess, were the lights of her life. She lived for sharing memories with her family whether it be holidays, little special moments, or trips to the Central Coast and local Sierra Nevadas.

Karen loved children and had a great passion for shaping young minds. For 13 years, Karen ran an in-home child daycare which ultimately led her to go back to school for Early Childhood Development at Fresno Community College where she dedicated tireless hours and mentored so many fellow students. She became a Preschool Teacher for Clovis Unified School District and most recently worked at La Petite Academy. Her nurturing nature, enthusiasm, and creative curriculum positively impacted many children throughout the years.

Anyone who knew Karen knew how much she cared for those around her. She was a source of light for many, and will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and community. Her love and empathy was given limitlessly, and we encourage everyone to commemorate her memory by offering care that is constant, a dedication that is selfless, and love that is forgiving.

We invite you to please join us in Celebration of her life Saturday, June 29th at 2pm at Northpointe Community Church, 4625 W Palo Alto Ave, Fresno, CA 93722.