Karen "Skeeter" Guardione

Karen “Skeeter” Guardione

December 23, 1946 – February 15, 2025

 The neighborhood cats of Grants Pass lost a warm lap on Feb. 15th 2025 when Karen "Skeeter"

Guardione passed away.

She was born in Charleston, SC to Fred William Plunkett (Chief Gunner’s Mate) and Priscilla Plunkett (who

have preceded her in death). She was the younger sister to Carol Porter (now deceased). Skeeter grew

up as a Navy Brat. She later became the devoted wife to her husband of 56 years Vincent Guardione.

She was a loving mom to her two daughters Luisa and Nikki. Skeeter was also a special Nana to her only

granddaughter Mya. She always went the extra mile to make everyone feel loved & special, especially

around the holidays, Christmas being her favorite.

Her working years were diverse and included being everyone’s favorite travel guide with Hawaiian

Adventure Company in Honolulu, the best Secretary anyone had ever had at San Jose State University, a

Police Officer in Ridgecrest, CA and a Realtor with Wind & Sea Realty in Alpine, CA.

Skeeter moved to Oregon from San Diego with her husband in 2002 when they both retired. She

immediately made several close forever friends upon moving into the neighborhood, whom she

cherished and spent lots of time with.

With her new found "free" retirement days she found a love of gardening and was a former member

of the Josephine County Master Gardeners. She made her new landscape the envy of the

neighborhood. But more than her love of gardening was her affinity for cats. Ohhh the cats! You could

drop this woman anywhere on earth (or possibly beyond) and she would befriend a cat. At the time of

her passing she was a very happy Kitty Mama to Mineau, Roma, Sina, Jax and Mousie. For now her

cherished felines are taking turns comforting and warming themselves on Vince’s lap, until the day they

can be reunited with her again.

Skeeter will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. We will do our best to navigate this new

time without her, but she will forever be in our hearts and around us in spirit every day and for that we

are grateful. With all our love forever and ever.

An Open House will be held at Stephens Family Chapel on February 25, 2025 from 2:00-5:00. In lieu of

flowers memorials can be made to the Josephine County Animal Shelter.