Karlene Mary Kunz

Karlene Mary Kunz fell asleep in the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. She was born in Charleston, S.C. on May 31, 1937 to Carl and Virginia Kunz.

Her passion for life and family was unmistakable. She was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Those who met Karlene instantly became a friend. She appreciated the power of connections and finding similarities with people regardless of their background. She had an open heart and ears for anything that would come her way.

She trained as a nurse and served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army reserves. She continued as a professor of nursing for forty years in the Tampa Bay area. She also led nursing missionary trips to Ecuador, Peru, and Uganda.

A committed Orthodox Christian, Karlene attended St Gregory the Theologian Russian Orthodox Church before becoming an associate Founder of St. Philip the Apostle Orthodox Church (OCA). She helped organize the choir and served as Choir Director for a number of years.

She was well known for her extraordinary quilts as well as her passion for gardening and traveling. Her love of her pets always gave her great comfort and joy. Her love of her pets always gave her great comfort and joy.

Karlene is survived by daughters Roxanne Gravat (James) and Mina Vasquez (Albert) and grandchildren Stephanie Cooper, Caitlin Cooper, Michael Vasquez, Deanna Mincemeyer (Matthew), and Chloe Vasquez. Her great grandchildren are Connor and Kira Mincemeyer.

She also leaves two brothers Duncan and Derek Kunz.

Her compassion, vast knowledge and advice will live on in her family and in everyone that knew her.

Karlene was attended by her spiritual Father, Very Reverend Joseph Ciarciaglino and friend and fellow nurse, Father John Chudik.

A Panikhida will be served at St. Philip the Apostle Orthodox Church on April 17th at 7:00PM with visitation at 6:30PM. The Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial will be served the next morning at 9:30AM followed by interment at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park with a graveside service. Following the graveside service, there will be refreshments at the funeral home.

St. Philip the Apostle Orthodox

9100 El Portal Drive

Tampa, FL 33604

Blount and Curry Funeral Home

4207 East Lake Avenue

Tampa, Fl 33610