[br][br]Karen was born June 22, 1944 in Spokane, Washington. As the eldest child of Tamotsu and Yoshiko Omoto, Karen attended Lincoln Elementary School and was a "Ti-girl" at Lewis and Clark High School, graduating in 1962. Karen received academic scholarships to Eastern Washington University, where she enjoyed dorm life, Spurs women's service organization, and was president of Eastern's Associated Women Students. Karen graduated Summa Cum Laude in June 1966, majoring in Business Administration and Education.
Karen met her husband of 39 years, Bruce W. Toreson, through her college roommate and lifelong friend, Merrill Thomsen. Karen and Bruce recognized their love quickly and married in August 1966. Notably, this was the same year as the first NFL Super Bowl; the two often jokingly counted their anniversaries in roman numerals.
After graduating from EWU, Karen began her 47 year-long career in education teaching Business Education first at Ferris High School in Spokane, Washington and then at Ingraham High School in Seattle, Washington. During this time she continued to pursue her own academic goals, earning a Master's in Education from EWU in 1973.
Education was always of utmost importance to Karen. She encouraged her children to take advantage of all learning opportunities in school and music, and continued her own tutelage with various training courses throughout her long teaching career. Karen taught at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon; Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute in Bellingham, Washington; Edmonds Community College in Edmonds, Washington; and Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. The majority of her teaching career was spent at Shoreline Community College in Shoreline, Washington, where she began as a part-time sabbatical replacement for Marcia Liaw in 1986. She was hired as a full-time faculty member in 1987 and awarded tenure in 1991.
As Professor of Business Technology for 27 years, Karen taught every class in the program at one time or another. She was a master teacher: innovative, dedicated, and visionary. Karen was an exceptional educator, leaving a long-lasting positive impression on many of her students. Early on Karen recognized the growing popularity of the internet and its potential to be an effective way to reach students; she was the first faculty in her area to teach an online course. Karen was instrumental in getting the Business Technology program online, and was also very involved in the Computer Information Systems program.
In addition to her teaching, Karen was passionate about her involvement in the American Federation of Teachers. She began by serving as a representative to the local Executive Board, was elected 1st Vice-President in 2000, and President in 2002, serving for six years. At the state level, Karen served on the AFT Washington Executive Board from 2005-2013, and was elected as the State Treasurer from 2006-2013. She worked tirelessly to improve higher education in the state of Washington, and participated in both state and national AFT conventions.
Karen's tenacity in her professional life was mirrored in her devotion to her family. Karen and Bruce moved several times in the Pacific Northwest, finally settling in Mukilteo, Washington in 1986. The family moved to their current home in the summer of 1987. Karen loved being a wife and mother, and was actively involved in her children's extracurricular activities as a room parent, band booster, and as an enthusiastic fan on the sidelines. Karen resided in Mukilteo for 28 years, and enjoyed the fantastic love, help and care by her neighbors, especially during her battle with cancer. She influenced the lives of many, and those who were blessed to know her will fondly remember her generosity, humor, and positive spirit.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband Bruce W. Toreson and sister Jayni Martin. She is survived by son Brian Toreson of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter Kathy Toreson of Baltimore, Maryland; brother Richard (Virginia) Omoto of Spokane, Washington; sister Margene Omoto of Spokane, Washington; brother-in-law Arthur (Karen) Toreson of Liberty Lake, Washington; best friend Karen Kreutzer; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and countless friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Karen's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 5 at the North Seattle Church of the Nazarene, 13130 5th Avenue NE Seattle, WA, 98125.
Contributions in Karen's name may be made to the American Cancer Society.