Obituary of Karen Elizabeth Kramer Gwartz

Karen Elizabeth Kramer Gwartz
LOVING DAUGHTER, SISTER, AUNT, WIFE and FRIEND

Karen Kramer Gwartz, of Playa del Rey, CA, passed away on March 7, 2024 at the age of 56.

Karen was born on November 27, 1967 in Mission Hills, CA, to June Jones and David Kramer. She grew up with her two siblings, Eddie and Diane, in Van Nuys, CA, where she lived for twenty-three years. Growing up she played softball, and loved roller skating and playing tennis. She graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1985, where she had played on the tennis team. A few years later, she moved near the beach, to Santa Monica, CA. Karen loved the beach life.

At the age of 23, Karen began work at a private elementary school. She quickly became part of the community and made many special, longtime friends, with whom she shared many good times. Her work was an integral part of her life and she was committed to helping others. Over her tenure of 34 years, she touched the lives of hundreds of students, families and employees. Karen was a respected, valuable, trusted colleague, and friend. She truly loved being part of the school. Even when she became ill, it was important to her to continue to be there, and to help out in any way she could.

Karen was married on April 7, 2006 to Adam Gwartz. Karen and Adam moved to Playa del Rey, where they lived near the beach for the next 17 years. Karen and Adam enjoyed traveling and shared many wonderful trips together. They loved looking at menus, trying new restaurants and sending their food photos to family and friends. Karen was devoted to her family, and a proud and loving aunt to her three nieces. She loved being part of their lives and watching them grow throughout the years, and the love was mutual. She also loved her kitties and faithful companions, Dusty, Larry and Louie.

Karen was gentle in nature, remarkably kind, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She gave her all to helping others wholeheartedly, and was loved by all who came in contact with her. Karen spent her life making other’s lives better, expecting nothing in return. She was always happy to be where she was, and she never complained, even when she was ill and in pain. Karen was incredibly brave and carried herself with grace throughout her life. She will be deeply missed.

Karen is survived by her husband Adam, parents June and Dennis Jones, siblings Edward Kramer and Diane Finegold, brother-in-law Brian Finegold, nieces Rachel and Sarah, Brittany and great-niece Noelle, and her loving cats Larry and Louie.

Services will be held at Rose Family Mortuary on March 26, 2024 at 11:00 am, with Jonathan Mulford officiating.
Interment to follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, 22601 Lassen Street, Chatsworth, CA.

Tribute donations in Karen’s honor may be made to St. John’s Cancer Institute
https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/make-a-donation/
or to your charity of choice.