Karen Virginia Sanders Matchunis

Karen Virginia Sanders Matchunis, much loved mother, sister and friend to many, passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2017. She was born July 12, 1962 in Raleigh, NC to the late Virginia Bailey Sanders and James R. Sanders. She grew up in their loving home in Youngsville, NC and enjoyed all the benefits of being in a close small town community including church, scouting, sports and school activities. Karen graduated from Vance Academy in 1980 and, given her abiding affection for the beach, not surprisingly chose University of North Carolina-Wilmington for college. After her children had taken skydiving jumps, she did too and on the video she can be heard upon touching ground “the Seahawk has landed”. She also adopted her husband’s alma mater and became a strong UNC-CH Tar Heel. Karen graduated from UNC-W in 1984, and lived in Florida where daughter Katie was born and later moved back to Raleigh where son Nick was born. Karen taught elementary school for a number of years and took great pride in her students’ accomplishments and enjoyed staying in touch as they became adults. Her favorite avocations were event planning and interior design. Karen was so pleased to have been wedding consultant and mother of the bride for her daughter’s May 2016 Raleigh Rose Garden wedding. Karen had recently moved to Southport, NC and was happy in her new home at the coast. She will be recalled fondly for her devotion to her children, family and friends, her sense of fun and quick wit.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her beloved family, Katherine Virginia Matchunis Frey (Kyle) of Boone, NC, Nicholas James Matchunis and their father, Timothy Hill Matchunis, her sister and brother-in-law, Brenda Sanders Mullins (Ken) all of Raleigh, NC, best friend, Paul Henkens and the extended Sanders and Matchunis families. She was preceded by her adored parents and aunts and uncles. As her daddy always said “there is a big reunion in Heaven”, Karen is enjoying that reunion.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Chapel at Brown-Wynne, 1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 2:45pm prior to the service at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Karen’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.