Oct 11, 1944 - Feb 13, 2015
Karen Baker Scott, 70, passed away at home on Friday, February 13, 2015, from pancreatic cancer. Karen was born on October 11, 1944 in Orange County, California to Elbert Ellis and Katherine LeNoir (Hambright) Baker. As a young child she lived in San Mateo, California and Seattle, Washington, before moving to Long Island, New York, where she spent her elementary and middle school years. In New York she gained both a sister and a best friend when Tracy was born. Karen’s father’s career as an airline pilot for Pan Am took the family back to California for her high school years, where Karen graduated from Los Gatos High School in 1962. She went on to attend University of California at Santa Barbara, Foothill College, and San Jose State University, where she earned a degree in sociology. After college, Karen became a flight attendant for United Airlines and moved to Chicago. There she met Louis Doescher and they were married in July of 1968. They moved to Carson City, Nevada and had three children. They later divorced. During this time, Karen attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. In December 1986, Karen married Donald Scott, after reconnecting at a high school reunion. They lived in Los Gatos for the first five years of their marriage, and Karen furthered her education at San Jose State University, completing her teaching certificate. In 1992 Karen and Don moved back to Carson City, where they have lived since. Karen was employed as both a teacher and later a counselor at Fritsch Elementary School for twenty years. She loved the staff and students at Fritsch; improving education was one of her passions and callings in life. Her “Fritsch family” brought her a lot of joy and love, and many of her closest friendships were formed there. Karen was very involved in her community. During her many years in Carson City, she volunteered with the League of Women Voters, Advocates to End Domestic Violence, and Friends of the Library. She was instrumental in the organization of a local chapter for SIDS awareness and support. She participated in a bowling league, tutored students, and served on the Montessori School Board. Her many friends loved her for her generous nature and dry sense of humor. Karen loved her family very much, and was much loved by them. She enjoyed spending time with her 8 grandchildren and delighted in hearing about their activities and achievements. She also loved tending her yard and planting flowers each spring; her yard was a beautiful expression of her creativity and thoughtful eye. Karen is survived by her husband, Don; father, Elbert; sister, Tracy Mesa (Ben); daughter, Kasey Maxfield (Adam) of Boise, ID; son, Jason (Alyse) of Pembroke, MA; and eight grandchildren: Chase, Grant, Blake, Gabe and Matthew Maxfield, and Madison, Isaac, and Maya Doescher. She is preceded in death by her son, Ryan, and mother, Katherine. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.