I didn’t know Karen or her family in Paxtang very well although we only lived across the street from one another. 

My family became Karen’s neighbor  as refugees. We were a byproduct of the Vietnam war.  We were literally fresh off the boat. To us America was what we saw and felt in the immediate neighborhood, and it was SO positive. My impression of Americans has not faded since.  Americans care for one another. Americans care for their neighbors. Karen and her family radiated just that energy. 

We could not have asked for a more receptive neighborhood to start our lives in the USA. We might have appeared timid, added to the language barrier we must have seemed rude. Now 45 years later we are forever thankful for Karen and her family for a wonderful new start in America.

Bicentennial Day in Paxtang, PA 
Karen, Mo and Mary. I took took the photo. It’s a litttle faded and sadly the only one that survived the fire that we had in our Kelso Street house. 

Karen was my little sister and friend. Karen, Mary and Kathy are all my sisters. I do not have a childhood memory without them. Bowling, football, capture the flag, kick the can, playing in the creek, Bicentennial Day,  Halloween,  fishing for minnows, making clay pots, playing with the cats, jumping off of the playhouse roof, Pizza Hut, Rehoboth Beach, Hershey Park, the list goes on and on. And, laughing...always, always laughing. Karen’s smile and dimples...priceless.

Loving thoughts to all. When you smile, Karen smiles. When you laugh, Karen laughs. 

Karen, may you forever feel the sand between your toes and the warm salty breeze through your hair. Love you! Janet 

Karen was a dear friend and will be truly missed.  She was a great individual who supported others 100%, never spoke an unkind word, and cared about people with her whole heart. She was the first person at Capital to welcome me to the company and I’m happy to say became a fast and true friend.   Karen celebrated the accomplishments of others, cheered for you when there was no one else, and always offered a prayer of support even when her own heart was breaking.  I am blessed to have known her.   Karen's guiding words of wisdom will always be with me.  I pray her family is comforted by the ever loving peace and grace of God!  I’ll miss you Karen!   Thanks for being a friend.

We are so saddened about the news of Karen's passing. James, Christopher, Robert and I send our love and prayers to Kristine, Kathy and Mary.  We are thinking of you today and always.

Sending my condolences to the family.  Karen was a smart and knowledgeable coworker who I enjoyed working with.  She will be greatly missed. 

Karen's positive attitude and energy will be missed. Condolences to the family.  Carol O'Hara,  Women's Civic Club of Hershey member. 

My condolences to Kristine and family. My heart is broken. Karen may you rest in peace my friend. ❤️🙏🏻❤️ Kim C. 

Karen was a wonderful, caring and intelligent woman and good friend.   I will miss working with her and chatting about our  dogs and hobbies.


Bishop  McDevitt High School Music Association

Visitation

Mass of Christian Burial

Kristine Townsend

Kathy Jensen

Mary Alvarado

Karen is also survived by her very loved extended family.


She was preceded in death by her husband; Richard Townsend, and her parents, George &amp; Louise Karapandza.

OBITUARY

Karen Ann Townsend

July 19, 1965 – February 15, 2020

Neill Funeral Home

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Visitation

Mass of Christian Burial