Karen Sue Tift

July 1, 1945 to May 6, 2007

Beloved wife of Tom, loving mother of Todd and Wade. She is survived by a devoted family, mother Martha (Paxton), sisters Sally (Reed), Lisa (Myers), and Jan (O’Reilly). Other family members include Earl, Ethel Mae, Trace, and Terry Tift, and grandchildren Brandon and Owen Tift. Karen will always be remembered by her loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends. Her loving spirit, positive attitude, and zest for life will not be forgotten. Her father, Dale Paxton, and daughter-in-law Candace Tift preceded Karen in death.

Karen was born in Canton, Ohio, graduated from Baldwin Wallace College, continuing her schooling in Fairview Nursing College in Cleveland, Ohio receiving her RN degree. She decided, after raising her children, that she loved teaching children so she continued her studies and received a Master’s Degree in education from Long Beach State College. She was a popular teacher at Fryberger Elementary School in Westminster and loved her students and co-workers dearly. Karen was always the teacher- inspiring per peers with her positive attitude, trust in human nature, and a belief that everything we do matters. Karen is the perfect role model of someone who is kind, patient, giving, and loving.

Memorial services will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 600 Saint Andrews Road, Newport Beach (across the street from Newport Harbor High School) on Thursday, May 10th, at 4:00pm.