Karen Louise Sanborn

A graveside service celebrating the life of Karen L. Sanborn (Staffen), age 55 of Lawrence will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. A visitation and luncheon will follow at the Lawrence Lions Club. Karen died in her home on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, surrounded by family.

Karen was born on Jan. 3, 1962, in Lakeview, Mich. to Carl and Nancy Staffen.

Karen graduated from Lawrence High School in 1980. She worked as a cook at Lawrence Inn, Waffle House and Zekes for 22 years for Ray Piecyk. For the last six years, Karen and Jim spent their winters in Florida.

Karen is survived by husband, James Sanborn; children: Andrew (Caitlyn) Sanborn-Whiteman, Alanna (Ben) Mendoza; step children: Lori (David) VanZoeren, Lisa Sanborn, Steven Sanborn, Lizabeth (Matthew) Edson; grandchildren: Adam, Brittany, Makenzie, Kaleb, Jakob, Kennedy, Aliya, Allison and Claire. She is also survived by sisters: Donna (Joe) Hillman, Sue Anne (Randy) Selby; brothers: Greg (Sharon) Staffen, Terry (Winnie) Staffen and Rick (Susan) Staffen.

In lieu of flowers, please donate money to Lawrence Alumni Association for scholarships in Karen's name.
The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

"Karen, you gave me the best 21 years of my life. I Love You!" – Jim