Karen Suzzane Ratliff

Karen Suzzane Ratliff, 63, of Aliso Viejo, California, passed away at her home on October 22, 2026.

Born in San Diego, California, Karen grew up in Rialto, CA, where she attended Eisenhower High School. An excellent student with a vibrant personality, Karen excelled academically while also participating in the flag team and cheerleading and many more clubs and groups. She went on to attend California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, earning her degree in Marketing and proudly participating in Chi Omega sorority and Pi Sigma Epsilon. Her dedication to learning continued at the University of California, Irvine, where she earned a certificate in Human Resources Management.

Karen built a successful and fulfilling career in human resources, most recently serving as Director of Human Resources at Foundation Risk Partners. With many years of experience in her field, she was a dedicated professional who genuinely loved her work, valued her colleagues, and took great pride in what she did.

Outside of work, Karen embraced life with enthusiasm, laughter, and a wonderfully competitive spirit. She loved spending time with friends, discovering great restaurants, never turning down a good martini, singing, visiting Disneyland, watching classic movies and TV shows. She enjoyed all holidays but especially Christmas where she had many trees to decorate and would collect ornaments from anywhere she went. She looked forward to attending state fairs, shopping, and driving new cars. She especially enjoyed playing games, although anyone who played against Karen quickly learned that she wasn't just playing for fun—she was playing to win! Her competitive streak was legendary among those who knew her, and it was all part of the spirited personality that made Karen so memorable.

Karen's love of sports was equally passionate. She followed just about every sport, but her beloved Anaheim Ducks hockey and before they moved, the San Diego Chargers held a special place in her heart. She cheered enthusiastically, celebrated every victory, and took every loss personally. If one of her teams was having a bad day, it was probably best to give Karen a little time before discussing the final score! Her loyalty to her teams never wavered, even when their performances tested her patience.

As much as Karen loved sports and a little friendly competition, she had an especially soft spot for animals, particularly cats. She had many cats she adored over the years but her two surviving cats, Willow and Pippa, were much more than pets; they were her family, her constant companions, and a source of tremendous happiness. Karen adored them, and they were fortunate to have a home filled with so much love and affection. Her devotion to her cats reflected the tenderness and compassion beneath her spirited, competitive exterior.

Above all, Karen treasured the people in her life. She was a kind, loyal, and devoted friend who built lasting relationships and surrounded herself with people she loved. Her warmth, sense of humor, and lively personality will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Karen leaves behind her loving mother, Connie; her sisters, Holly (Phil) and Michelle (Tim); aunts, Jessica and Cindy; and her cousins, Tracy, Tara (Alan), and Sheryl (Pete). She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Thomas, Sarah, Cameron, Daena (Tony), Austin (Kailee), and Lauren (Ryan) as well as great nieces and nephews.

Karen will be greatly missed by her many friends and colleagues, but especially by Shawn and Brennan, her chosen family and two of the most important people in her life, who shared countless memories, laughter, and love with her. Her cherished cats, Willow and Pippa, will also miss her terribly.

Karen lived life with passion, loved her people and her cats wholeheartedly, and never backed down from a little competition. Whether cheering on her favorite team, enjoying a game with friends, or spending a quiet evening at home with her cats, Karen found happiness in the things she loved. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and stories that will continue to bring smiles to those who knew her.

A Celebration of Life honoring Karen is being planned for January 2027 in the Aliso Viejo, California, area. Additional details, including the date, time, and location, will be shared once arrangements have been finalized. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Karen's memory to the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) at dawg.org in Mission Viejo, CA, the rescue organization where she adopted her precious cats as kittens.