Karen Dufresne Govea of Alhambra, Calif., and more recently of Slidell, passed away on June 25, 2014, at Trinity Neurologic Rehabilitation Center, where she was a resident.

She was born in Wallace on July 21, 1950, and was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Joseph Dufresne Sr. and Fernande Cazenave Dufresne.

Karen is survived by her husband, Gilbert Govea, stepson Ernest Govea, three step grandchildren and siblings Robert J. Dufresne Jr. of Gramercy, Phyllis D. Dufrene and Judith D. Waddell of Hammond, Roland J. Dufresne of Destrehan and Jeffrey G. Dufresne of Vacherie, plus numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and one great great nephew.

Before moving to California, Karen worked for Shell Oil Company in New Orleans and Houston and continued her employment with Shell in California. She subsequently worked for Kaiser Permanente Insurance Co.

Shortly afterward, she developed ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) but never lost her unfailing good humor and optimism in the face of increasing challenges. She was an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to be a part of her life.

She continued to show great courage and fought the disease until the day of her death.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff of Trinity whose skills, dedication and caring contributed greatly to the quality of her life.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 30, 2014 from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Philip Catholic Church in Vacherie.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. with burial following in the church cemetery.

Rose Lynn Funeral Services, 1870 Cabanose Ave., Lutcher, is in charge of the arrangements.

To sign and view the family guest book, visit roselynnfuneralhome.com