It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved friend, mother, grandmother, and wife who graced this earth with her presence.
Karen Thomas Brubaker passed away on October 21, 2023, at the age of 64 from Glioblastoma (brain cancer). Karen was born in 1959 to Jerry and Joan Thomas in Ventura. After graduating from St. Bonaventure in 1977, Karen attended and received her BS degree in marketing from San Diego State University where she met her husband, Dave (Ventura High class of ‘77) through mutual friends. They married in June 1982 and moved back to Ventura. After a 5-year sales career with Campbell’s Soup, Karen found her true love of raising her family. Her son and daughter meant the world to her, and she began her second career volunteering in numerous schools, churches, and sports opportunities.
Karen loved everything about family and friends. Always looking forward to their traditions, hosting gatherings, traveling to see family, and sharing her faith through her actions. Her spiritual grace that touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was counsel to so many as she worked out at the Pierpont Racquet Club or during runs and walks along the promenade and bike path. She coined the phrase “Grilled Cheese Monday” by hosting 20+ high school girls for grilled cheese sandwiches and motherly advice every Monday with her daughter’s circle of friends. Karen was a source of inspiration and light to so many, as she received that from her connections as well.
Karen was a long-time member of the Optimist Club of Ventura, where they put on the annual Seaside Basketball Tournament each year. Cumulatively, the club has raised significant funds for the youth of Ventura. Her favorite meetings included student of the month presentations and holiday gift basket delivery. She loved her fellow members and the work they did.
The most remarkable aspect of her life was her unwavering faith and devotion to God. Her kindness, selflessness, and charity were testaments to her deep, abiding faith. Upon diagnosis, rather than why me, she said why not me. Her faith gave her and her family strength and comfort – she was not afraid to die, just sad that she would miss us all. She will truly be so deeply missed by all of us, but she is always by our side.
Karen is survived by her mother Joan Thomas, sisters Marie and Lisa, her husband Dave, son Matthew (Megan) of Cupertino, daughter Victoria (Colton) of Ventura and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her prized love and joy were her four grandchildren Mason, Merritt, Jack, and Joseph.
Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday, November 10, 2023, in Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Karen’s name to the Optimist Club of Ventura, 801 South Victoria Ave, Suite 106, Ventura, CA 93003.
May she find eternal peace in the arms of the Divine and may her legacy of love and goodness continue to shine through the lives she touched. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.