Date Of Birth: 01-14-1952
Date Deceased: 06-16-2004
Age at Death: 52
Cause of Death: Myeloma
Classmate City: Sonoma, California
Survived By: husband, Steve Pantazopulos
Karen Lee was always on stage.
SHE DID IT HER WAY!
Karen departed her physical life on June 16, 2004, in the way she had lived it - with grace, clarity, dignity and calm. Her beloved mother, Joanne Connor-Metzger and her dear husband, Steve Pantazopulos, and constant caretaker Sharry Simpson were with her. As friends and family gathered, it was a time of mourning and a time of rejoicing in the special way in which this young woman affected so many. Born on January 14, 1952 in Fullerton, California to the late Pat Connor, physicist, and Joanne Connor, master musician, and into a family of musicians, it is no surprise that she graduated from Holy Immaculate College with a degree in Music and later studied voice under Dewey Camp at San Francisco State. With her own lovely voice, her bounding energy, and her commitment to finding ways to protect the planet and the rights of people to live on it in peace, she built her life around her deep caring for her family and her ability to use music as communication and connection to all around her. Karen arrived in Sonoma in 1979. Sonoma will remember her as a skilled vocal instructor, as vocal soloist in recital with her mother, pianist Joanne Connor-Metzger, as chairperson of the first Sonoma Treasure Commission, as a member of the Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission, as Music Director of the chancel choir at First Congregational Church and Wine Country Theatre and various stage productions, as fiery activist for equality in all ways for all living creatures of the planet to live in peaceful coexistence. Karen's great spirit lives on in the lives of her husband, Steve, her mother, Joanne Connor-Metzger, her brothers Rick Connor of Anaheim and Mike Connor of Oakland, and in the very special nieces and nephews, Carolee, Samantha Lynn, Sean and Caitlin Connor. Her presence is felt and treasured by her second family, the Metzgers and Bairs of Sonoma Valley, the members of the Congregational Church and all the lucky musicians in the Valley who were touched by her life and her talent. She really did it her way - and what a lovely way it was! A celebration of Karen's life was held on July 17, 2004 in the Burlingame Hall at the First Congregational Church in Sonoma. Family and friends attended private inurnment only.
Memorial donations in Karen's honor can be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, #206, North Hollywood, CA 91607-3421, or to the Sierra Club, 85 Second Street East, Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105.
Published Online in the Press Democrat on June 22, 2004
submitted by Dean Knapp