KAREN RUMFOLA

March 3rd, 1950 - January 30th, 2025

Karen Jay Rumfola 74, entered into her eternal life peacefully on January 30, 2025, surrounded by those she loved. Born Karen Jay Waffle on March 3, 1950 to Verne and Laverne Waffle in Long Beach, California, along with her twin sister, she was one of five children. It was there in Long Beach, where she met and married the love of her life Bill Rumfola. Together, they raised three children, James, Theodore and Rebecca. Karen found her eternal love for God at a very young age and was a faithful servant. She lived by faith and bestowed grace on everyone she knew. She was a school secretary for over 20 years. She not only touched the lives of her coworkers, who became life long friends, but also left her mark in the hearts of thousands of school children who she lovingly referred to as “her kids”.  She took pride in her family, her love language was apparent in the raising of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as her endless adoration for her Billy Boy. She was a remarkable cook, who could whip up a meal fit for Kings with just a few simple ingredients. Her smile was contagious, and her sense of humor was witty and sharp. Her wants were few, and she did everything with a grateful heart.  She was never one to look for praise, but was quick to share it. It would be an understatement to say to know her was to love her..  Karen leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and countless

 

loving family members and friends❤️


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Bernadette Dunne
February 11, 2025 5:55 pm

I have so many beautiful, funny, and TYG memories with Karen. She was the glue that held us together at Cloverdale. I started on a temporary teacher contract. I had no sick leave and got CHICKEN POX. She filed my WC papers. I was so grateful. She was always there for everyone. Karen was so smart, and could answer so many of my questions. We were a family. I’m so happy I was able to see, and talk to her last year. Rest in peace dear Karen.💜

Barbara miller
February 11, 2025 8:06 am

Karen was a wonderful person. Always happy. I will miss her contagious smile. Rest in peace my friend.

Rebecca Gonzalez
February 10, 2025 9:00 am

I am gonna miss you so much mama. I will forever cherish your memories and traditions. You were the BEST.

Mrs. Fabiana Niles
February 8, 2025 6:32 pm

Dearest Friends,
It was my pleasure working with Karen at Cloverdale Elementary School. She always took her job seriously and did a great job helping to make things run smoothly. I will miss visiting with her from time to time at different social get togethers. May your Beautiful Memories of your wife, mom, grandmother, and great grandmother give you strength and comfort. God Bless you all!
❤️🙏❤️

Terry Witkowski
February 8, 2025 3:17 pm

Karen was the 1st person that I met when we moved Moreno Valley 37 years ago. I enrolled my kids in Cloverdale Elementary. Karen worked it out so that my son could get into the morning Kindergarten class. I helped in Miss Herman’s class that year and also worked as a Lunch Duty. Karen convinced me that I needed to apply for a clerical position in the district. The rest was history. If it wasn’t for Karen, my life could have taken a different path. I will be forever grateful. Gonna miss you a bunch Mrs. Rumfola! ❤️💔

Marcy Herman-Whiting
February 8, 2025 1:51 pm

Karen was a blessing to all who knew her as she welcomed everyone with open arms and took a keen interest in their lives. She was always so helpful and willing to lend a hand for whatever was needed. She had a great sense of humor and will be remembered fondly. May her memory be for a blessing.

Regina
February 8, 2025 10:33 am

I so remember Karen, while teaching ESL at Cloverdale elementary School. She was the assistant to the principal, and was always very efficient and very hard working. Prayers for the family.

Michelle Waffle
February 8, 2025 10:28 am

When I first met your brother Tom, you found out I was Italian and Karen you said to your brother, you are going to marry that girl. Well of course you were right and I became a sister in the crazy, wild, and loving Waffle family.
So many memories, so many amazing times we all shared during the many years. The trips all over Europe including our favorite river boat cruise. Those times will live in my heart forever.
I am pretty good at expressing my feelings but I guess I have not faced that you are not here. As I am writing this the tears are flowing because I loved you so much and miss you Karen. Your generous heart, your sense of humor especially when you were addressing Billy, the love that you so freely gave to not only your family but those that were blessed to know you.
You are really not gone from us, we will see you again. All I can focus on is that the minute you left us you were in the arms of Jesus, completely healed, smiling, and at peace. I am sure if we had a chance to ask you to come back you would say, I love you all but you cannot imagine the glory of heaven, I am home.
So this is not goodbye, it is see you soon. Rest my beautiful sister. You will live forever in our hearts.
Love,
Michelle

Kasi
February 8, 2025 9:12 am

Karen was a wonderful woman. She welcomed me into her home and family with open arms and a smile. I loved attending holidays at her and Bill’s home. It was always filled with love and laughter. She will be missed and remembered dearly.

Greg & Carol Bates
February 8, 2025 8:43 am

We remember Karen fondly. Her family is in our thoughts & prayers.

Richelle Bates
February 8, 2025 8:23 am

Karen’s quick whit was met equally with love and acknowledgement of anyone who entered her space. She was warm and inviting with her readied hugs anytime Joe and I approached her. She was a blessing ten times over, and I will miss her until the day I enter heaven and she welcomes me once again with her hugs.

Rick and Ral Capello
February 7, 2025 4:29 pm

Bill and Karen are God parents to our daughter, Jenna. Although it’s been awhile since we’ve seen each other, we have always considered them family. Karen’s strong faith and belief in God was evident by how she lived her life. She was always kind, caring, and loving. Karen was a good soul who has earned her wings and her peaceful place in Heaven. God be with her.

Becky Shreiner
February 7, 2025 4:28 pm

Karen has been my best friend for decades. I have wonderful memories of attending Ladies Bible Study, sharing a room at CSEA conferences, etc. All opportunities that revealed Karen’s loving nature. One of the most important in my life was when she insisted that we attend the Caregivers seminars put on by Riverside County Office of Aging. Since my husband, Abe was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s, Karen knew I would need this instruction. She signed up with me because she said she would be my caregiver; making sure I learned everything to help Abe through his struggles. But what she really planned was making sure I was taken care of also. That’s just one example of Karen’s generous heart. I will love and miss her for the rest of my time here on earth, and so look forward to seeing her in eternity !

Becky Gallegos
February 7, 2025 2:01 pm

Karen you always made us feel welcome and part of your family. You were sweet and kind hearted with a smile that could luminate a room. You will truly be missed my friend. So, until we meet again you rejoice and sing praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thank you for the memories,
Becky and Abraham Gallegos

Renee Williams
February 7, 2025 1:50 pm

What an amazing woman and what a remarkable life. I feel so blessed to be a part of our family.

Renee Williams
February 7, 2025 1:43 pm

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:26-31