Karen Janine Hooper Dunn returned to her heavenly home late on December 24, 2025. She was 84 years old. She is remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend— and so much more.

Karen was born in Belvedere, California on Friday the 13th of June, 1941. She joined her two brothers Gary and Michael as the third child of Rachel Palmer and Claude Gerald Hooper. They moved to Garvey, CA, where her brother Alan and her sister Claudia were later born.

Karen had fond memories of spending her childhood with her family and extended family, including her grandmother Hooper, who, like several other extended family members, lived for a time in the little house just behind theirs. With her mother and grandmother, Karen learned to can, sew, and quilt. She enjoyed these things throughout her life.

Her childhood was full of happy memories: playing outside with dolls, dirt, pets, and plants, enjoying her mother’s cooking, and sharing good times with siblings, cousins, and friends.

As a child, Karen learned the value of faith and hard work from her mother, Rachel, with whom she shared a special relationship all their lives. When Karen and her siblings were young, Rachel made sure that she and the kids were active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From a young age, Karen participated in service there. Karen helped her mother at home, especially caring for baby Claudia. She adored her little sister and in her personal history she even says, “I was so excited [when Claudia was born] you would have thought she was my own baby!”

Karen also worked hard at her own jobs including babysitting and cleaning after school. Later she spent summers visiting extended family in Arizona and worked chopping cotton there. As a teenager she worked in department stores.

Karen loved to dance and sing. Her beloved Aunt Frances organized her and some friends to perform at events. She loved these, as well as the regional dance events at the Rose Bowl.

After High School graduation, Karen worked for a year and then attended Brigham Young University, where she eventually met Heber Grant Dunn in a dance class. They fell in love and were married on July 23, 1963. She called it the best decision she had ever made. Their union was a good one, full of love and friendship.

Shortly after their marriage, Karen and Heber moved to Arlington VA and Heber attended Georgetown University Dental school. Their first two children— a son, Bryan, and a daughter Karey— were born there.

In 1969, the family moved to Hemet CA. There, Lisa, Angie, and Greg were born.

Over the years, Karen and Heber welcomed many friends and relatives into their family and home— most especially Carolene Redshirt, their foster daughter, and Heber’s mother Doris, and Karen’s mother, Rachel in their later years. They always treasured time with loved ones.

Karen kept busy with service and activities and said that she was blessed to be a mother and that her kids were her #1 priority.

Karen participated in her children’s activities when they were young, and continued that with her grandchildren. She is remembered cheering for sports, music, theatrical, and academic events by generations of loved ones. She was a mother and grandmother who always showed up, giving rides, bringing snacks, and offering help and comfort. Karen genuinely enjoyed watching them do what they loved. Even at the end of her life, when she herself was unwell, she is remembered offering congratulations, concern, and smiles for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Karen’s faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ was a guiding force in her life. She served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and especially enjoyed her years of service in the Relief Society. In addition to these formal service roles, however; much of Karen’s kindness was quiet. Her children and friends recall that everyone felt she was on their side.

Other things Karen enjoyed in life included painting, baking (her chocolate chip cookies were legendary!), and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also loved flowers and could name any she saw!

Karen and Heber’s house was a home and a second home to their family and extended family over the years, and was known as a place of love, games, good food, and See’s candy reliably “hidden” where the grandkids could find it in the bedroom drawer.

Karen also enjoyed special traditions and trips with her family and extended family, including trips to the beach, the lake, and the mountains. Even when she did not participate in the activities, especially later in her life, Karen wanted to be with her family and enjoyed helping out, offering advice, laughing with the grandkids, and seeing everyone happy together.

Karen is remembered for her love, her excellent treats, her steadfast faith, her cozy hugs, her many talents, and her lifetime of joy and service.

The final weeks of her life were spent supported and surrounded by her children. She left the love of her children: Bryan (Marianne), Karey (Trent), Lisa (John), Angie (Frank), Greg (Rachel), and Carolene, 23 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren to rejoin the waiting love on the other side. Her husband Heber, her many close family members, and others that she treasured in this life, surely welcomed her home.