Karen Marguerite Fortner

Karen Marguerite Fortner
Karen Marguerite (Sorce) Fortner, 61 years of age, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Friday, September 6, 2013. Karen was born in Pasadena, CA on June 19, 1952. As a child Karen grew up in South Pasadena, Granada Hills and San Jose, and in 1963 her family settled in Costa Mesa, where Karen would establish her roots. Karen attended St. Joachim’s Catholic School and Estancia High School, graduating in 1970. She also attended OCC where she received her Associates Degree in 1972. In 1975 she married her love, George Fortner. Karen was an Instructional Aide for Newport Mesa Unified School District for over twenty-five years. Karen’s specialty was art and creativity. Her artistic influence inspired numerous teachers and students throughout the years. Karen was very proud of her Sicilian heritage. She was known for her impeccable entertaining at home, and fabulous Italian cooking. She welcomed everyone to her legendary Christmas Eve parties with loving, open arms. Karen was involved with the Fordham Club and participated in events at The Sons of Italy. Karen enjoyed a variety of hobbies such as art, calligraphy, gardening, traveling, going to the beach, cooking and most of all, being a Mom to her two children Amy and Geoffrey. Karen will be remembered for her humor, kind disposition and positive outlook on life. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. Memorial services for Karen will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, September 19th at Pacific View Memorial Park, located at 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, CA. If you would like to send a donation in lieu of flowers, Karen’s favorite charities were St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project, Surfrider Foundation and Animals For Armed Forces Foundation. Karen is survived by her husband George and children Amy Fortner Dawson and Geoffrey Fortner.