Obituary: Karen Mazzei

Karen Mazzei (Luddon), 68 of Weed, California passed from this life surrounded by her loving family on January 26, 2021. Karen was born in Mount Shasta on December 16, 1952. She graduated from Mt. Shasta High School in 1971 and went on to earn her teaching degree, starting at College of the Siskiyous, then to Chico State University and CSU Sacramento.

Before starting her career in education she worked at the Y Café and the Hi-Lo Restaurant. She then went on to work for the Siskiyou County Office of

Education. Her true calling was teaching; starting at Grenada Elementary for

more than 10 years. She then went on to teach at Weed Elementary. She taught 2nd, 5th, and 8th grades. She was also a beloved cheerleading coach in her 30 year career. She was an amazing teacher no matter what grade she taught.

When she wasn’t shaping young minds, she could be found reading, (she always had a book in her face growing up) she loved all kinds of books. Among her favorites to read to her ‘kids’ were Strega Nona and Oh, the places you’ll go! She enjoyed activities like cross stitching where her beautiful projects will be treasured for years to come, RV’ing with her dear friends and cherished spending time with her family. She absolutely adored her granddaughters. She also enjoyed playing Bocce ball and all of her “Over the Hill” teammates will miss her dearly.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of more than 40 years, Tony; her son John (Ashley) her two granddaughters, Angelina and Aubrey; her brothers Jim Luddon (Barbara), Joe Luddon (Lori) and her sister Marsha Benton (Fred). She is also survived by her brother and sister-in -aws, Sam and Betty Mazzei, Roger Speer, Pete and Karen Mazzei, and all her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Russell & Patricia Luddon, mother in law Angelina Mazzei and her sister in law Marie Speer.

We hope to plan a celebration of life in the spring or summer. If you wish to do so, please make a donation in her memory to the Winema Cemetery.