Obituary of Karen Lee Velasquez

Karen Lee Velasquez

Beautiful, Driven, Loving

Karen was born May 30^th 1954 in Tooele Utah and left us behind to tell her story on September 18^th 2020 at her home in Tualatin Oregon.  It is only appropriate that we give you the basics first and then follow up with an exit story that represents our beautiful, spicy, loving Karen. 

THE BASICS

Karen is survived by her son Keith and daughter-in-law- Corrie Rofinot, her grandson’s Seeley Rofinot and Isaac Rofinot. Karen is survived by her brother David and his wife Karen and her brother Craig and his wife Nivin Velasquez. She is also survived by her aunt Glenna Navarro and her aunt Josie Soldano; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Karen’s parents Joe and Lois Velasquez were waiting to welcome her to heaven, hand in hand, with her son Benjamin Rofinot.

SIMPLY KAREN

Karen spent most of her learning years in Hayward, California and graduated from Tennyson High in Hayward in 1973. Shortly after she began her amazing journey into being a wife and mother all while working in the banking industry by day and playing the role of supporting wife to a rock-star drummer by night. 

Oregon here we come.  Karen and her then husband Brian with baby Keith in tow made the move in 1980.  Karen continued with her career in banking and then surprise 1982 and baby Ben arrived.  Karen ultimately gave 30 years to her career in banking.  Those who worked with her at the St. Helens Federal Credit Union, US Bank, Umpqua, and finally Bank of the West would tell you that she was highly respected and appreciated in the industry for her knowledge and for her tenacity with regard to following the “rules”.  Her co-workers very much enjoyed their time working with her.

Karen at home was just as spicy.  Anyone that knew Karen can probably still hear her voice when she summoned you....”Keith, Ben, Brian”!!!  She was likely calling to let you know dinner was ready she used to love cooking spicy Cajun recipes. She loved sushi and Mexican food as well. Walking into her kitchen you couldn’t help but notice the plethora of decorations with chili peppers.  She was so well known for her love of chili peppers her friends would always return from trips with some kitchen item that had chili peppers on it.

Karen unlike her son’s was NOT an outdoors “Kinda gal”.  Karen’s son Keith would tell you that if his mother saw spiders/snakes or any other bugs there was certain to be a dramatic show like no other and this tiny 5 foot nothing of a woman would run as if she had trained for an Olympic marathon. Oh and she hated heights, like really hated heights.

Karen always moved with purpose.  She cared for her friends and family and she was determined to manage everything for everyone by organizing, volunteering, cooking and trips oh so many trips to Costco.   Her favorite musician was Chris Isaac and she loved to read. Karen was born and raised Catholic and there was always a cross hidden in a drawer or container in the house. She loved the holidays (especially Christmas) and had boxes of decorations ready to be put up after Thanksgiving.

A few years ago she was able to travel to Cabos San Lucas with friends for the first time. It was bucket list item for her as her late son Ben had described his trip to Cabo as his most memorable.

Karen: spicy, loving, determined, passionate, Mom, sister, cousin, aunt and friend, you left us far too soon.  We know that you have wanted to be in heaven for so long thus we will not be sad for you but happy that you can finally embrace a missing piece of you.

With Love Always,

Your beloved family and friends

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death'
or mourning or crying or pain,
for the old order of things has passed away.
-Revelations 21:4-