Karen Anita Sweaney

Karen left this world Monday, May 1, 2017, in Bakersfield CA. She was born May 16, 1942, in Everett WA to George and Eileen Brann, the first of 3 children. She is survived by her daughter Laura Kaspar (Dan) of Bakersfield, grandchildren Lindsay Walsh Devaurs (Jensen) of Bakersfield, Patrick Kelly Walsh of Bakersfield, Jeremy Walson of San Jose, and Tyler Walson and Megan Jessup of San Francisco, great-grandchildren David Devaurs and Caroline Devaurs of Bakersfield. She is also survived by her brother Terry Brann (Karen) of Gardiner, Maine, her sister Pam Poulsen (Neil) of Bozeman Montana and nephews Dane Poulsen, Seth Poulsen, Richard Dominguez and families. Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years David Joe Sweaney, her daughter Marianne Evans and her parents George and Eileen Brann.

Due to her father's assignments in the Air Force, Karen attended school in numerous locations, one of which was Japan. She graduated from Ramona High School in Riverside CA. In 1960 she married David Sweaney. Their two daughters were born in Riverside. The family moved to Kern County in 1963, living for a short time in Taft, then settling in Bakersfield. Karen worked for Occidental Oil for many years culminating her career as the Human Resources Executive for the company.

Karen enjoyed camping, gardening, reading, country-western music and the ocean. She was an accomplished cook and loved gathering the family together for meals, and through her jewelry-making classes, she designed and made many of her own beautiful jewelry pieces. Especially she enjoyed traveling. She and David traveled extensively in the western U.S. and in numerous foreign countries in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australia. Karen was a member of a Pinochle Card Club for close to 50 years and for the last 12 years was a dedicated volunteer at the Guild House. Her caring, compassionate demeanor and her cheerful, quick wit endeared her to all who knew her.

Our sweet, beloved mother and grandmother is so missed. Karen truly exemplified that a person's true light shines in the face of the most difficult of circumstances. Karen's family appreciates and would like to thank all of her friends for their kindness, caring and assistance given during her illness. Their help has been invaluable.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 18, 2017, 5-9 pm at Hillcrest Mortuary. Chapel and graveside services will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017, at 2:00 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield CA 93306.

Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bakersfield, CA.