Karen Lee (Kilpatric) Castro, beloved Wife, Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma passed away on September 7th after a lengthy illness. Karen was born in Napa, CA on September 17, 1940. Her family moved to Santa Cruz when she was 9 years old.

Education was very important to Karen, and she completed her High School diploma at night school while raising 3 young children. She was a licensed cosmetologist and Cosmetology instructor. Karen worked at Comerica Bank for 10 years in new accounts.

Karen was an active member of the PTA serving as Treasurer and Room Mother. She enjoyed being a member of the Jayceettes in the 1960’s and a volunteer for the Miss California Pageant. She was a proud member of the Rebekahs for 71 years, Beta Sigma Phi for 51 years and the Santa Cruz Redwoods Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star for 29 years.

Karen is survived by her husband of 66 years, Harold “Gene” Castro, daughters Tami (Dan) Macdonald, Lori (Rocky) Jones and Shelly (Phil) Harris She is also survived by her grandchildren; Elizabeth, Patrick and Tom Macdonald, David Lawrence, Tawnya (Scott) McCarthy, Matthew Castro-Harris, Melanie and Travis Jones and great grandchildren Kadin Baxter and Tristan McCarthey.

Karen and Gene’s 66 years of marriage showed their family what a marriage should and could be.

Karen was predeceased by her parents Hugh and Elaine Kilpatric and sister Beverley Westfall.

Services will be held Friday, September 20th @ 2:00 p.m. at Oakwood Memorial Crystal Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Rd., Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Karen's memory to a charity of your choice. Private interment will follow the services.