Karen Michelle Anaya was born to Lillian Montes and Marcello Ramon Anaya in Los Angeles, California, on July 2nd, 1966. She was the middle sister of four siblings. She graduated from Mark Keppel High School in 1984. She met her husband, Gabriel Suarez shorty after his discharge from the US Army. They were married on August 6th, 1994, at 0323 in the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas Navada. Shortly after they were married, Starr came into their lives. Karen and Gabriel shared their passion for art and love for family. They started their event planning and kids’ parties company called Agaperabba Entertainment in January 2001. Karen became involved with American Legion Post 397 in 2005. She was there helping veterans, their families, and the community. 

In 2010, when her husband became Commander of the American Legion Post 397, she became his right hand. She was able to be such a pivotal part of the group, even though she wasn’t a veteran herself; she had so much knowledge and heart for everyone. Karen was the person who would give her last dime to someone in need. She was always there to listen to your problems and give a shoulder to cry on, even if she had her own stuff going on. She was always with a shot of Jägermeister to cheer you up. She was so selfless, there will be no one else like her; she was a gem like no other. She was able to have a fur baby by the name of Roxy Hope at 10 months old. Karen trained and loved her, even Roxy was just like her mama, anytime someone needed some love, whether a family member or a stranger, she was there. Karen spent her life caring for others, but unfortunately, she was taken from us so suddenly at the young age of 59 years old. She was surrounded by loving family and friends at her time of passing. Karen will be missed greatly, and there will forever be a missing place in our hearts and in the community for her.

We believe when she made it to heaven, there was a super long line of people to greet and honor her there.

Karen is survived by her mother, Lillian M. Anaya, her husband, Gabriel Suarez, and all her friends who became family, and many others. She was met at the gates of heaven by her brothers Alan, Jeff, her father Ray, and so many other friends and family who preceded her in death.