Napa Streets Closed for Funeral of Karen Shubin, 47, Cal Fire Battalion Chief

Firefighters and other first responders from around the North Bay are expected to attend the funeral for Cal Fire battalion chief Karen Shubin, Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 1917 Third St., Napa.

A city bulletin advises that Third Street between Jefferson and California, and some cross streets, will be closed from 8 a.m. to approximately 12pm. 

Shubin's life ended Jan. 23 after a two-year battle with cancer, according to a Cal Fire post on the agency's official Facebook page. She was 47 years old.

Shubin worked for Cal Fire for 29 years, mostly in the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit, and most recently out of the Glen Ellen station, according to Division Chief David Shew who talked to Patch.

Shew said Shubin was diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago and did not go back to work after that.

She is survived by her husband David, a fire captain in San Rafael, and their four children.

Hundreds of people have left messages on Cal Fire's Facebook page honoring Shubin, calling her a "very dedicated professional" and "fun."

Among the messages: 

"You fought the good fight—rest easy now, you've earned it."

"R.I.P Chief. Thank you for your service." 

"See you on roll call."

"Too young to die."

"It is always sad when we lose our heroes."

The messages have come from firefighters as far away as Sonora, Mexico; Ventura; Madera; and Santa Cruz.

Did you know Karen Shubin? Please tell us in the comments.