Karen Jean Byrne

With love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Karen Jean Byrne, 66, who passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026. Born on April 26, 1960, in Lancaster, CA, Karen was a beacon of love and light to all who knew her.

In 1975, she moved to Sacramento, CA, and graduated from San Juan High School in 1977. Karen loved art and music, and possessed a natural aptitude for the harp, performing at weddings and events throughout her youth. On the weekends, she loved riding her horse, Playgirl. She married Rick Klingleberg in 1982. Their union brought into the world her beloved son, Joshua, who was the light of her life. Karen moved to King City in 2003, where she lived until May 2024, when her family brought her back to Sacramento. She had a large network of friends and caregivers in King City who supported her ability to live independently for many years, for which Karen was extremely grateful.

Karen was a woman of vibrant spirit, faith, and compassion. She loved nothing more than visiting with friends and relatives, and she adored playing cards and board games. Many family members carry joyful memories of Karen beating them in countless games over the years. She had a fantastic sense of humor and an infectious laugh that could instantly brighten any room. She was incredibly generous, never forgetting a birthday, always sending holiday gifts and regularly writing letters and cards to stay connected to family and friends near and far. Her faith, her love for her family, and her incredibly big heart guided her until her final days.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Robert Craig Byrne. She is survived by her son, Joshua (Josh) Works; her mother, Charlotte Dahms; her siblings, Diane Works, James (Jim) Byrne (and wife Mary), and Jody Dahms; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of University Post Acute Rehab and UC Davis Hospice for their compassionate care.

A Memorial Service will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4300 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA, 95819, on Friday, July 10, 2026. Visitation will start at 11:30 a.m., and the service begins at 12:30 p.m. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider visiting an elderly neighbor, playing a game of cards with a nursing home resident, or calling a lonely relative to honor Karen’s generous, unbreakable spirit.