Karen Sue Cannon

Karen Cannon of Lincoln, California passed away at home on September 13, after a brief illness.

She was beloved by her family, friends, and her community and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Karen was born on March 2, 1945, the eldest child of Harold and Lois Davis.  Karen graduated from North High School in 1963.  Upon graduating high school, Karen enrolled at the Ohio State University where she was a cheerleader and active in Pi Beta Phi sorority.  She was a lifelong sports fan generally, but most especially for the Buckeyes. She graduated in 1967 with a degree in Elementary Education, and relocated to California in where she took a difficult teaching assignment during the Viet Nam era at Travis Air Force Base, in Fairfield, California.

During her only break from teaching, Karen met the love of her life, Dean Cannon, in 1975 when she owned a candy and ice cream store in Old Sacramento. Karen and Dean got together at an after-work gathering in Old Town Sacramento and the rest was history.  They married on March 5, 1977, and shared 45 wonderful years together traveling the world and living life to its fullest.

              Karen’s love for children and learning called her back to teaching.  (Given a room full of people, she invariably sought out the children!) She furthered her educational career, including teaching in most every elementary grade, and earning a master’s degree in School Administration.  She served as vice- principal at Skycrest Elementary, and principal at Twin Lakes Elementary, both in the San Juan Unified School District.  After retiring from her educational career, Karen volunteered as a docent for school programming at the Crocker Art Museum and for Sutter Hospital’s pediatric ward. She also volunteered for USA Track and Field at many sport venues including the California International Marathon.

              Karen’s survivors include husband, Dean Cannon, sister Gail Schuman, brother Steven Davis, and many nieces and nephews.  Her optimism, magnetic spirit, and friendly smile will remain a lasting legacy to all her friends and family, as well as a reminder for us to embrace fully the lives we are given.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Karen’s memory with donations to the American Cancer Society or if you prefer, a charity of your choice. The viewing will be on Thursday, September 29, 2022 (12-3 pm) and the Celebration of life and Burial:  Friday, September 30, 2022 (11 am) at East Lawn Mortuary, Sierra Hills Memorial Park 5757 Greenback Lane Sacramento, CA  95841