Karen Lee Krzywicki's Obituary
Karen Lee Krzywicki (née Karaffa)
Jefferson Hills — Karen passed away surrounded by her cherished family, Thursday, June 1st, 2023.
Karen was the daughter of the late William and Gilda (née Coscarelli) Karaffa and the granddaughter of the late Jeanette Coscarelli.
Karen was born and raised in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Pittsburgh where her family was ever present creating a true sense of what was important in this life — family. Her family was her most valuable possession and knowing she’d have to leave them behind was the hardest part of her journey.
Karen spent her childhood as many young girls did, learning dance and playing the organ. Karen was a graduate of South Hills High School and went on to work after graduation. It was during her time working at Pittsburgh National Bank, now PNC, that she met the love of her life Dennis Krzywicki, through a friend. Their first date was to see the movie Funny Girl, a classic musical drama, in 1969. The two hit it off and you could say the rest is history. They married in October of 1970 at Saint Mary’s of the Mount Church, in Mount Washington. Over the years, they enjoyed traveling, trying new recipes, visiting with friends and family, and their dogs. This October, they would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
In the early ‘80’s, Karen took on a new role as mother to her son Dennis Michael and daughter Kelly Marie. Her children were the center of her life and she enjoyed spending each day with them, watching them grow up. They brought joy to her through their many achievements and accomplishments. She spent countless hours in hockey arenas and on baseball fields watching Dennis practice and develop a lasting appreciation for the game; while marveling at Kelly’s many talents including dancing and playing volleyball. When the time came for them to attend college, Karen was able to gift them both with an amazing education as she was hired at Duquesne University in the Center for Teaching Excellence. In addition to the positive contributions she made to her team through exceptional event planning and facilitation, she had the ability to form connections with countless faculty, staff members, and students building lasting relationships
Little did Karen know, her most treasured role would be that of being Grammy. From the moment she knew her first grandchild was on the way, she was overjoyed. Holding, snuggling, and loving each of her three “babies” brought her joy like none other. Grammy was able to be involved in their lives as she spent time watching them weekly. She wasn’t a stranger to getting down on the floor to play with Barbies and with blocks. Grammy (and Pappy) hosted sleepovers. As you can imagine, she had a fun filled schedule complete with art projects — special guest appearances from Uncle Bill, coloring, baking and decorating cookies with Aunt Kel, watching movies, playing board games, pancake and waffle breakfasts, and countless other fun activities!!
Celebrating holidays, birthdays, and milestones was something that Karen enjoyed and it was apparent to anyone that had the pleasure of attending or being celebrated. Hosting events and entertaining guests seemed to come naturally to Karen. Every detail was perfection and nothing ever missed. She always made sure everyone was invited and included around her table. She also ensured that everyone left with plenty of food and cookies!! Known to Karen’s family and friends, she was a talented baker. Her baked goods were a staple at every family celebration and sometimes on the table at home “just because”! Karen always made sure to have some cookies in the freezer for when guests stopped by for a visit, too. In addition to physical celebrations, she made sure to remember birthdays by dropping a card with a thoughtful message in the mail — even if she would see you on your special day!
Karen attended Mass at St. Thomas A’ Beckett in Jefferson Hills and lived her Catholic faith. This was apparent through the kindness and compassion she demonstrated towards others. Karen was the hub of the family always knowing who was celebrating, who may have been sick, who had passed, and who needed a thoughtful note of encouragement. Having such a huge heart, she was always concerned about everyone and their wellbeing.
A quote comes to mind “Don’t cry that it’s over, be happy that it happened!”
Karen is survived by her husband, Dennis of Jefferson Hills, son Dennis (Elizabeth) of Cecil, daughter Kelly of Brookline, grand children Nora Gilda, Clara Evelyn, and Kris Abram, brother William “Bill” Karaffa of Mt. Washington, her puppy Bailey, and grand pups Cooper, Oliver, Odin, and Bernie. In addition, her brother-in-law Charles (Kathy) Krzywicki, sister-in-law Janet Krzywicki, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, William and Gilda Karaffa, grandmother Jeanette Coscarelli, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff of Family Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
Family and friends will be welcomed for visitation on Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills PA 15236. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023 10:00am-11:00am at Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish- St. Thomas A' Becket Church, 139 Gill Hall Rd, Clairton, PA 15025. If travelling in procession please meet at the funeral home no later than 8:30am. Entombment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 100 Resurrection Rd, Coraopolis, PA 15108.
Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Karen’s name, www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude. Online condolences can be shared at www.jeffersonmemorial.com.
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