Karen Anne Malinowski

Karen was born on January 18, 1951, in Erie, Pennsylvania to John and Therese Duskus. She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Villa Maria College in Erie, Pennsylvania, and taught for many years throughout the United States, including 24 years at Most Holy Redeemer Interparochial School in Tampa, Florida.

On August 5, 1972, she married the love of her life, Paul Andrew Malinowski, in Erie, Pennsylvania. They raised four beautiful daughters and traveled the world together including Korea and Germany, as Paul was a career U.S. Army Officer.

Karen had a passion for teaching and shaping young minds through education. Throughout her lengthy career she positively impacted the lives of hundreds of families. She was an avid runner, who in her prime competed in 10k and 15k races. Later in her life, after she was afflicted with cancer, she courageously completed the Susan G. Komen 3-day, 60-mile walk six times with Paul, her family, and friends raising thousands of dollars for breast cancer research

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Her strength and bravery were admired not only by her family, but also by anyone who had the privilege knowing her. Karen was also involved in her church, St. Timothy, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, was a member of the hospitality committee and the Bingo Team. Karen loved to root for her beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoons cheering them on with friends and family.

Karen was preceded in death by her father John and mother Therese. She is survived by her husband Paul, his four daughters, Katie (Lawson) White; Jennifer (Brian) Casey; Laura Hart; Michelle (Charles) Varner; her sisters Barbara (Charles) Longnecker and Sue (Bruce) Haight; and many grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 21, 2022, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz, FL 33558.

Karen’s family would like to extend our special thanks to Mellissa Carver, ARNP, Florida Cancer Specialists and all the fantastic nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital Adult Infusion Center, for all the years of compassionate love and care.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your choice of agencies supporting Hurricane Ian disaster relief.