Karin Michele Appler, age 55, of Columbia, Maryland passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Karin was born in Arlington, Virginia to her parents, Kathryn Appler and the late William Appler. Karin was the beloved wife of David Mosca and the devoted mother of Benjamin Michael and Jonathon Christopher Mosca of Columbia, MD; dear sister of Chris Appler and his wife Marie-Claude of San Francisco, CA, Kelly Appler Velasquez and her husband Eduardo of Brookeville, MD and stepsister of Thomas Thornton and Liz Bowling, Matt, Andy and Deirdre Wiederrecht; cherished daughter-in-law of Gene and Vivian Mosca; loving sister-in-law of Peter Mosca and his wife Jeannine; Also survived by her nieces and nephews, Beatrice Appler, Allie and Mia Velasquez, Erin and Donovan Mosca.
From her elementary school years at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Silver Spring, Md, to her high school years at Immaculata Preparatory School in Washington, DC, and through her college years at Loyola College in Baltimore, Md, as well as throughout her personal life and professional career, Kari had the innate ability to build genuine, lifelong friendships. Her sharp wit, generous nature, exceptional culinary skills, and ability to bring people together are just a few of the traits for which Kari was known. Her giving nature and care and concern for family and friends, along with most people with whom she interacted, is what set her apart.
Kari began her career at The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., just off Dupont Circle, housed in the Heurich House Museum. From there, she transitioned from sharing history to changing history, as she lobbied at the local and state level for tobacco control, via stints at MedChi (The Maryland State Medical Society), a grant under then-governor Glendening for Smoke-Free Maryland, the Danya Institute, and ultimately at the Center for Tobacco Control under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Kari worked tirelessly with state legislatures to ensure that they put public health and safety first in enacting tobacco laws.
In her spare time, Kari enjoyed time at Rehoboth Beach and Indian Lake, Ohio, spending time with family and friends, a shared love of oysters - often with her son, Jack - and cooking with her son Ben, and planning and hosting gourmet meals for her family, her extended family, and friends. Her sons Ben and Jack were her greatest joys in life, and in recent years she visited
them often at Salisbury University. She was devoted to her husband, Dave, and loved to prepare and share gourmet meals with him as much as picking up some truly tasty Royal Farms chicken.
Kari made a huge difference, in her career and in the lives of those who knew and loved her.
A Gathering for Karin will be held Friday, May 26, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 12319 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904, followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garylkaufmanfuneralhome.com for the Appler family.
