Remembering Livermore Resident Karen Thompson-Davis

LIVERMORE, CA — Longtime Livermore resident Karen Thompson-Davis passed away Sunday, August 5 th after a short illness. Karen was born May 3, 1942 to Charles and Florence Hisey in North Platte, Nebraska.

When Karen was 6-years old, Florence married Tommy Thompson and the family moved to Portland, Oregon. The family lived in tents while her step dad worked for logging companies. As a little girl, Karen loved the wilderness living because it was like a long camping adventure.

When Karen was 12, the family moved to Livermore for work. Karen started the 7 th grade at Junction Avenue School, and took on the last name Thompson. This year changed her life when she met her partner in crime Emily Crosby-Crist. The two were inseparable and remained lifelong friends.

In 1960, Karen graduated from Livermore High School where she’d met her high school sweetheart, Dennis Rooney. Karen and Dennis were married and proceeded to have three children Denise, Derek and Dena.

Karen was a dedicated mother spending many years as team mom and room mom for her three kids. She remained close to her best friend Emily, visiting her and her three kids in San Diego often. In the mid 80’s Karen moved to San Diego and met her new love Bill Roeben. They married and together enjoyed the love of camping, Nascar and traveling California in their fifth wheel.

Karen inherited the love of crafting, crocheting and reading from her mother Florence. She also enjoyed
crossword puzzles and was a fierce Scrabble player. She loved See’s candy and enjoyed going to the movies, with the best part being the popcorn!

Karen was thrilled to gain her first Grandson, Troy Gil in 1988. At that point, she insisted they move back to Livermore to be closer to their growing family. Soon after, her other Grandchildren came along: Andrea Gil, Austin Rooney, Dalton Rooney and Gage Berg.

Nothing gave Karen more joy than spending time with the grandkids camping, crafting and having sleepovers and watching them play. Karen also enjoyed puttering in the garden with her beloved furry companion Ginger by her side.

Karen and the family appreciated the support from family and friends in recent years, especially Mary
Jane O’Neil (Rooney) and longtime friend Rhonda Brazil. Karen is survived by her three children Denise Gil (Jeff), Derek Rooney (Lourdes), Dena Rooney plus five beautiful grandchildren, all living in Livermore, and niece Tanya.

She is predeceased by her parents and husband Bill “Pops” Roeben, her brother Mark Thompson and longtime friend Emily. A private celebration of life will be held later this month. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Karen to Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org.

Obituary, photo submitted by Sherry Macias