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Former Portola Valley teacher Karen Ann Hayes dies at 68

A celebration of the life of Karen Ann Hayes will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Native Sons community hall, 112 Stage Road in Pescadero. Ms. Hayes died Nov. 12 at her home in Pescadero after a two-and-a-half year battle with a rare form of neck cancer. She was 68.

A graduate of UC Berkeley, Ms. Hayes began her career in Portola Valley in 1969 as a reading teacher. She taught fifth, a fourth-fifth combination, and third grades before settling into teaching kindergartners at Ormondale School in Portola Valley.

At Ormondale, Ms. Hayes was known for her Japanese fish prints and as a great cook, who shared her recipes with faculty and parents. She retired four years ago. An article on her retirement in the July 20, 2005, issue of The Almanac noted ,"Every day, Ms. Hayes commuted from Pescadero to Portola Valley, never missing a day despite earthquakes and storms."

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Jim; children Karl, Andrew, Ryan and Colin; her mother, Gertrude; and four grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Nguyen and the entire oncology staff of Kaiser Redwood City, for their care.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pescadero High School, Department of Athletics, 350 Butano Cutoff, 94060. Ms. Hayes was a strong booster of the Vikings and the school's athletic programs.