Karen Everson
MISSION VIEJO, CA- Karen Lou Everson (Ganfield), a former Marquette resident passed away at age 82 on January 24, 2025. She was living in Mission Viejo at the time and succumbed to complications from Alzheimer’s.
Karen was born in Minnesota to Clifford Ganfield and Sarah (Calhoun) Ganfield and raised in Marquette, Michigan. Karen graduated from Bishop Baraga High School in 1960 and married her high school sweetheart, Gary Everson in 1961.
Karen married Gary while he was in the Navy in April 1961. He was stationed in Long Beach, CA and after he returned from a 6-month deployment, she joined him in California. They decided to stay in California and moved to Fountain Valley in 1968, then in 2007 moved to Casta Del Sol in Mission Viejo.
One of her most cherished traditions was taking her children and later her grandchildren on memorable cross-country trips. Whether they were exploring the Grand Canyon, visiting historical landmarks, or simply enjoying the open road together, these trips became treasured adventures that strengthened the bonds between generations.
In addition to her family, Karen loved cooking, baking, dancing, and playing cards–simple joys that filled her days. Her warmth, kindness, and infectious joy touched everyone she met, and her light-hearted spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
Karen is survived by her 3 children: Richard, Colleen and Robert, her 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and her siblings: Richard, Dianne, Mary, Dale and Sara and her husband of 63 years: Gary.
The Funeral Mass will be held on February 15th, at 12:30pm at St. Killian’s Catholic Church.
In lieu of flower donations, it is requested donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.