Karen Marie Anthony, known to many as Karen, a few as Tia Karen, and her most cherished title: Naneema, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, in Escalon, California, at the age of 63. Born on August 5, 1961, in Bourne, Massachusetts, Karen lived a life rooted in love, family, faith, and joyful creativity.
Karen was the beloved wife of Larry Anthony for 45 years, whom she married shortly after graduating from Foothill High School in Sacramento, California. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and deep devotion. Karen was a loving mother to Brian Anthony (Jenny) and Jennifer Anthony. The loves of her life and whom she was most proud of are her grandchildren Alyssa Pebria (Kaleo), Treye Anthony, Chase Anthony, Charlee Anthony, Caroline Giles, Stevey Marie Anthony, Ayce Anthony, and Damon Giles. In November 2024, her joy was magnified with the birth of her great-grandson, Jericho “JP” Pebria.
She is survived by her loving parents, Arthur and Jean McManus; her sisters, Linda Barghini (Larry) and Patricia McManus, her niece Ann, her nephews Jon, Dominic and Eric; and a large extended family and circle of friends who will miss her dearly.
Karen’s career included years as a dedicated banker, followed by 18 years of service to the State of California as a case records analyst. She brought care and diligence to everything she did, whether at work or in the home.
Beyond her professional life, Karen found great joy in simple pleasures and special moments. She loved traveling, camping, painting, crafting, and scrapbooking. She was an enthusiastic bunco player, a brilliant baker, and the heart of every holiday gathering. The ocean always called to her, and she poured boundless love into her role as a grandmother.
A devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Karen also served as a preschool teacher, sharing her warmth and kindness with countless children in her community.
Services were held previously, on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Center Diocese of Sacramento, 7100 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights, CA 95621. Reception followed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Karen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to her heart.
God gifted Karen with an extraordinary ability to love; her radiant spirit, unwavering love, and gentle kindness will live on in all who knew and loved her.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Aug. 20, 2025
