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Karyn Michelle Baker

Date of Death: May 2, 2026

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Service
Karyn M. Baker Celebration of Life Livestream
Amherst Chapel
1600 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Tuesday 6/30, 1:00 pm

memorial

Memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Firwood Farm Alpacas & Rescue: Donate – Firwood Farm Alpacas & Rescue

DaphneyLand Basset Rescue: DaphneyLand Basset Hound Rescue | Donations

Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California: Donate – www.bassethoundrescue.org

Karyn Michelle Baker, 63 of Clear Brook, VA passed before her time at the hospital with family by her side.

Born May 24, 1962, Karyn was the daughter of the late Carl Stephen Baker and Shirley Johnson.

Karyn graduated from Cape Henry School (now known as Cape Henry Collegiate School) in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1980 prior to embarking in undergraduate studies for a brief period in England. Upon returning to Virginia, she studied at William and Mary while earning a private pilot’s license before landing at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she earned AS, BS (1985) and MS (1987) degrees in Business Administration in Aviation…and met her future husband, Steve Athearn.

Her professional career was spent in the Savings and Loan, Mortgage Finance, Real Estate lending and travel industries before focusing full time on volunteer work for the Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California for 21 years, as well as supporting several other animal rescue organizations during this same time. She and her husband opened their home to foster Basset Hounds on behalf of the BHRSC. Her love and devotion to all animals had no limits, and her most endearing friendships were established these latter years, many through their own association with the BHRSC.

On October 27, 2016, she married her husband, Stephen Edwards Athearn, with whom she shared 9 years of marriage and 26 years of affection.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her half-brother and his wife, Steve and Jonnell Baker, and first cousins on the Shirley Johnson side of the family in England, Ireland and Luxembourg, John Leahy, Sharon Hutchinson and David (Nick) Graham.

Karyn’s memorial service will be held at Omps Funeral Home, 1600 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA 22601, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM EDT (10:00 AM PDT, 6:00 PM BST, 7:00 PM CEST). The event will be live streamed for the convenience of those unable to attend. The link to access the live stream will be uploaded here the day of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to:
Firwood Farm Alpacas & Rescue: Donate – Firwood Farm Alpacas & Rescue
DaphneyLand Basset Rescue: DaphneyLand Basset Hound Rescue | Donations
Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California: Donate – www.bassethoundrescue.org

candle-small flame
Brad Carver
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Barbie Nat
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Dr D. Johnson
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Jil Barnum
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Celia Foster
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Scott Ward
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Julia Draper
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Daniel Johnson
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Charles Haeffner
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Scott Schiewe Light a candle
Light a Candle
Service
Amherst Chapel
1600 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Map
Tuesday 6/30, 1:00 pm
Memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Firwood Farm Alpacas & Rescue: Donate – Firwood Farm Alpacas & Rescue

DaphneyLand Basset Rescue: DaphneyLand Basset Hound Rescue | Donations

Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California: Donate – www.bassethoundrescue.org

Karyn Michelle Baker, 63 of Clear Brook, VA passed before her time at the hospital with family by her side. Born May 24, 1962, Karyn was the daughter of the late Carl Stephen Baker and Shirley Johnson. Karyn graduated from Cape Henry School (now known as Cape Henry Collegiate School) in Virginia Beach, Virginia, inContinue Reading

Karyn M. Baker Celebration of Life Livestream
Watch Video Tribute
See Condolences
Brad Carver left a message on July 2, 2026:
In memory of Karyn Michelle Baker, Brad Carver lit a candle
Henry Failer left a message on July 1, 2026:
You can tell a person's heart by their love of animals. Karyn was a real giver. Her sweet spirit, kindheartedness, laughter, and smile will be remembered. Prayers and the Lord's peace to Steve and family.
Barbie Nat left a message on June 30, 2026:
Dearest Steve, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. I wish that I were there but I have a surgery scheduled for this Thursday. Karyn was a wonderful person and a wonderful friend and the world is missing her mightily, as we all are. I am sending you my most sincere condolences.
Sharon Hutchinson left a message on June 30, 2026:
Hi Steve, Colman and I were very happy to be part of this ceremony. Such a wonderful tribute to Karyn. Thank you allowing us to be part of it. I know Karyn would have been so touched by all the beautiful messages.
Jum left a message on June 30, 2026:
I woke up this morning with my kitchen cabinet and drawers open. All I could think of was Karen shaking her head, reminding me to close them and that today was her memorial. My prayers and day are with both of you Steve and Karen. God Speed…
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Dr D. Johnson left a message on June 30, 2026:
In memory of Karyn Michelle Baker, Dr D. Johnson lit a candle
Tammy Burroughs Hindle left a message on June 23, 2026:
Karen was my classmate at CHC. We had a small graduating class, but we were very close. I very much admired Karen. She was an excellent student and a very sweet person. So sorry for your loss. God bless your family……. Tammy Burroughs Hindle.
Tammy Burroughs Hindle left a message on June 23, 2026:
Karen was my classmate at CHC in Va Beach. Our graduating class was small but a tight group of friends. I very much admired Karen. She was an excellent student and sweet person. So sorry for your loss. Tammy Burroughs Hindle
Jil Barnum left a message on June 17, 2026:
We will always remember how much Karyn loved Stig.
Karol Rose left a message on May 19, 2026:
Seems like yesterday that we met at the Sr. Center for sewing, going to movies, plays, fish and chips by the lake. Your wedding to Steve. Good memories .Difficult to say good bye. RIP my friend
Celia Foster left a message on May 14, 2026:
My deepest condolences Steve for your tremendous loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you❤️🙏
Scott Ward left a message on May 13, 2026:
She was an absolute angel to all creatures big and small.
Dawn Smith left a message on May 13, 2026:
Karyn was such an amazing lady. Truly compassionate and driven in her mission to help the animals. All of our love to Steve, family & friends. To know Karyn, was to love her. Dawn and the entire Daphneyland Team, both humans and hounds.
Julia Draper left a message on May 12, 2026:
My love and thoughts go out to Steve and family. Love ya cousin
Daniel Johnson left a message on May 12, 2026:
Again, our condolences Steve.
Cimba Lee Johnson left a message on May 12, 2026:
Steve, I am sorry for your loss. Karyn was a dear friend. She will be missed by myself, and her many friends in the Basset rescue world.
Charles Haeffner left a message on May 12, 2026:
In memory of Karyn Michelle Baker, Charles Haeffner lit a candle
Scott Schiewe left a message on May 12, 2026:
In memory of Karyn Michelle Baker, Scott Schiewe lit a candle
Omps Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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