Karen Marie Jakabcin, 65 of San Jose, California passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023, one year after being diagnosed with stage-four cancer. Karen was born on October 16, 1957, to parents Kenneth and Sylvia Jakabcin. One of six siblings, Karen spent most her childhood in Monroeville, Pennsylvania until the family moved across country to San Jose, California in 1969. After graduating from Pioneer High School in 1975, Karen continued her advanced education and quickly climbed the ranks in tech, working as a product marketing engineer, tactical marketing manager and product specialist in analog semiconductor systems. Karen was known for her business acumen and extreme dedication in the workplace. She excelled in her career and remained working fulltime up until her death.

One of the greatest joys of Karen’s life was her daughter, Brittany. She selflessly raised her daughter as a single parent, affording Brittany every opportunity to develop unique skills, talents and to live a life full of love and support. Karen spent much of her free time volunteering for activities Brittany engaged in, including building sets at the theater, sewing costumes for figure skating, and helping her train for cross country and track. For over 20 years, she never missed a performance, race, and competition. She managed to work fulltime and taxi her daughter to countless activities before school, in the evenings and on the weekends. She was always there and she made the impossible look easy.

Karen was a fabulous cook! She had dreams of opening a small café that would feature soups and specialty dishes, appropriately named, “Everything in a Cup.” Aside from the extravagant holiday meals she pulled together, Karen’s talents were often donated to local arts organizations by catering events and fundraiser galas. She brought an unmatched style and elegance to everything, always going above and beyond.

She found immense joy in gift-giving often putting together thoughtful packages for family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. She kept a Christmas tree year-round adorned with decorations to suit every holiday… Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mardi Gras! She created stunning displays; her home was always unique and inviting.

Karen lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, and selfless dedication to the people she cared for most. Her legacy will be cherished by those who knew her.

She is survived by daughter Brittany Ogle and sisters Kathleen Jakabcin, Diane Lorenz, and Janice Von Ubin. She was predeceased by her brothers Steven and Stuart Jakabcin as well as her parents Kenneth and Sylvia Jakabcin.

A celebration of life in Karen’s honor will be held on Saturday, October 14th at Cielo located in Hotel Valencia at Santana Row from 11am – 2pm. All are welcome to attend to pay respects and show their support to Brittany.

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