Karen Olivia Backstrom Effron, 80, of Oviedo, FL, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025. Born in Fort Monroe, VA, her family eventually settled in Orlando, where she graduated from Boone High School in 1961. Her beloved husband of 58 years, Bernard D. Effron, Jr., also a Boone High alum, preceded her in death, and sadly, departed this world on April 14, 2023, to await her arrival in heaven. She is survived by their three sons, Brian D. Effron (Christina), Jason G. Effron (Christie), and Darin C. Effron (Heather); four grandchildren, David Effron (Gisselle), Allura Effron, Backstrom Effron, and Darin Effron, Jr.; sister-in-law Rita Backstrom (William Backstrom, d. 2017); nieces Tiffany Backstrom and Karen Richards; and her loyal canine companion, Buffy.
Karen was a loving and caring mother, a dedicated and devoted wife, and an adoring and generous granny. Always on the hunt for a new recipe, she was a marvelous cook, gifted baker, and cookbook enthusiast. She enjoyed kicking everyone's butts at bowling, playing cards & board games, embossing Christmas cards, and entertaining family & friends at home. She frequently reminisced about fond childhood memories on her family's Pennsylvania farm—picking fruit with her younger brother, Bill, from their flourishing fruit trees and watching their mother bake delicious treats. She loved vacations with her husband and boys at Vogel State Park, GA, where they would rent a cabin, roast hot dogs and s'mores, play volleyball and putt-putt, and just enjoy being together. Whether it was early morning walks along the beach in search of seashells, rock hunting in the Grand Canyon, or making margaritas at Vogel’s ‘Taco Night’, she helped create wonderful memories for her family to cherish.
As a young mom, Karen would take her three boys memorabilia shopping for collectible baseball cards and He-Man figures, smuggle candy in her purse on movie outings, or give them each a roll of quarters to play video games at the local arcade. She took them on car rides through Winter Park Pines, in search of peacocks, or to Hub Cap World, with a treasure trove of fallen wheel covers to buy more baseball cards. She often had homemade cookies in a countertop cookie jar or a bowl of fresh fruit, ripe and ready to eat. As the boys grew up and moved out, they knew they could always visit Mom's house and leave with a full belly and a big bag of groceries. She was simply a Good Mom.
She is greatly loved and will be forever missed. Mom, we know you are with Pap, Granny, and Bill; Tinker, Pepper, Lucky, Scruffy, Sandy, and Alice; Sly, Louie, and all your feline friends; and most importantly, the rock of our family—Dad.
May you both rest in eternal peace.
