Karen was born in Michigan and, being the daughter of a career Army Officer, was raised in Oklahoma, Texas, California, Okinawa, Illinois, and Virginia. Karen graduated from Michigan State University (Go Spartans) in 1985 with a degree in business. She always spoke fondly of her college days and times with her sorority sisters of Alpha Chi Omega. Karen began her career working with several fine jewelry stores and made her way to Wilmington NC more than 32 years ago. She loved the coastal area as it became her forever home. She transitioned into real estate in 2006 and later moved to Leland to better grow her business. Her hard work ethic, dedication to her career, love for her clients and for her associates helped to shape her reputation as one of the best realtors in the business. She and her business partner Jeff formed the Domin and Schwartz Real Estate Group several years ago and Karen loved spending time with her work family whether at the office or on a fun team outing.
In those rare moments of not working Karen loved to spend time with her husband Tracy and their fur babies Sassy and Ace. She also could not start the day with a long workout and walk. She loved going to the beach and enjoyed spending time with family and friends whether going on a trip, out for dinner or just spending quality time talking. She also had a special bond with her sisters which led them on many special trips and adventures throughout the years. Perhaps her greatest enjoyment was shopping which is another activity she excelled at with an impressive shoe collection to prove it.
Karen was truly a kind soul and could talk to anyone and make them feel at ease. When she spent time with you, you had her full attention and when she asked about things going on in your life she genuinely wanted to know the answer. She truly never met a stranger. Whether with family, a friend or someone in her business, Karen never shied away from the hard questions. She was not known as a "yes woman", but instead someone who could cut to the heart of the matter and figure out what was important. She was a trusted professional and the center of influence wherever she went.
Karen is preceded in death by her father Colonel Richard (Dick) Horvath, US Army Retired. In addition to her loving husband Tracy she is survived by her mother Frances Horvath of Wilmington, NC, sisters Kim Ellen of Leland, NC, Pamela Page (Brian) of Redondo Beach, CA and Lisa Hewitt (Troy) of Napa, CA, In-laws Gregory and Frances Schwartz of Wilmington, NC, and brothers-in-law Greg Schwartz (Christie) of Wilmington, NC, and David Schwartz (Valerie) of Savannah, GA, Nieces and Nephews: Megan Shehan (Brian) of Howell, MI; Eric Stoppels of Columbus, OH; Drew Page of Denver CO; Grant Page of Chicago, IL; Trevor Smith of Sterling, VA; Sydney Smith of Wilmington NC; Kayla Hollifield (Nick) of Rocky Point NC; Ashley Evans (Justin) of Rocky Point NC; Kevin Schwartz of Savannah, GA; Courtney Bass (Devin) of Savannah GA; and Kaitlyn Schwartz of Savannah GA.
Karen is also survived by dear friends Jon and Kristin Tait and her Godson Turner who spent every weekend with Karen and Tracy.
A Celebration of Life Drop in Open House will be held on Saturday, October 15th from 2 to 5 at the Leland Cultural Arts Center in Leland NC located at 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com for the Schwartz family.
White Funeral and Cremation Service Bolivia/Supply Chapel.
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