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Karen Lazo, born Karen Sue Garcia on October 17, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, passed away March 3, 2024, at the age of 73. Karen is preceded in death by her father, Arturo P. Garcia, mother, Ofelia Gonzalez, sister, Joelle Velasco and nephew, Anthony Garcia. She is survived by her husband, James Lazo, brother, Arthur Wayne (Rosie) Garcia, sisters, Arleen Garcia, Katherine (Scott) Boren, Dolores Reddick, and Susan (Daniel) Becker, nieces and nephews, Christine Velasco, Kimberly Castillo, Arty Garcia II, Alan Garcia, Maxwell Bauserman, Sarah Reddick, Jacob Reddick, Arty Garcia III. Additional family are James Lazo III, Krista Lazo, Paul (Barbie) Lazo and Kimberly Garcia, also grandsons, Joaquin Santiago Lazo and Samuel Antonio Carcur-Lazo. Karen was a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education and later her Master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. She began her career teaching elementary students and went on to be a school counselor. In all, she gave over 30 years to educating and guiding children in the San Antonio Independent School District. Ultimately, she retired as a counselor from Page Middle School. Over the course of her career, she made a tremendous impact on numerous children, all whom she regarded as her kids. As the eldest of seven, Karen wittingly referred to herself as the #1, often signing birthday cards to family this way to remind everyone of her status as the first of the Garcia siblings. Family was everything to Karen. She was the best and loudest cheerleader for her siblings, nieces and nephews. She was always there to celebrate their milestones and accomplishments. She was also there to encourage and give advice. In addition to being the best big sister and aunt, she was a good friend. She nurtured her relationships with life-long friends who knew her to be genuine and caring. Later in her life, Karen met and married Jim. Together, they raised a grandchild whom she adored. They hosted many family gatherings in her small home that she had beautifully decorated. Interior decor was one of her many talents. Karen was also exceptionally talented in billiards. She could run the pool table, sweeping her opponent before they ever had a chance to take a shot. In her early days, Karen played softball in a women’s slow pitch league. Karen was known for her love of the beach. The Texas coast was her favorite vacation destination. She would set a chair in the sand near the water and feel the waves roll in. It was her paradise. Karen had a charitable heart. She gave her time to worthy causes such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, especially, VFW 8936, that her father founded and where she was active with the ladies auxiliary and served as President. It was her way to honor her veteran father and husband. Karen was devoted to her faith in the Lord. She could often be found praying or reading the Bible on her porch. She was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church where she and Jim married and he is a lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Karen will be deeply missed. She was a light that shined brightly in the lives of her family and friends, and they will always remember her for the love she gave so generously to them all.

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Karen Sue Lazo

October 17, 1950 - March 3, 2024