Karen Theresa Shook

Karen Theresa Shook, age 53, passed away on April 6, 2023 at Suncoast Hospice Care Center Mid Pinellas after a long courageous battle against cancer, other multiple illnesses, the side effects of the medications and treatments used to cure or lessen this terrible diseases' effect, and the debilitating pain that accompany it.

Karen was born in Camden Co, New Jersey to Bill and Pat Hartstein on June 13, 1969. She graduated from Osceola High School in 1987 and went on to have a successful career acting as Group Leader for Essilor of America Glass Lenses for 17 years where she made lasting relationships with her colleagues. In addition to her work at Essilor of America, Karen also worked as a skilled Medical Coder and Biller, specializing in payment recovery from HCA-Parallon.

Outside of her profession, Karen had a variety of interests. She was an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, she loved to follow their games. She enjoyed shows such as Below Deck and Summer House, and her all-time favorite movie was Bugsy. Karen was an avid reader of romance novels, and she loved spending time walking along the beach.

Karen's wedding anniversary is on August 17th, which marked the special day she married her devoted husband, Tom, in 1991. Tom and Karen's marriage was a source of great joy and happiness in her life.

Karen Shook will be remembered for her warm heart, her unwavering kindness, and infectious smile. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William "Bill" Sr. and Patricia "Pat" Hartstein, both of whom served honorably on the Seminole City Counsel; brother, William "Billy" Jr.; and Paul Hartstein "Pops".

Karen is survived by her loving husband of over 32 years, Thomas "Tom" James Shook of Largo, FL; Brother, Scott Hartstein of Seminole, FL; brother and sister in-law, Mike and Vicki Shook; aunt, Joan Sowers; and her uncle and aunt, Tommy and Crissy Sowers.

A visitation for Karen will be held Friday, April 21, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774.