Karen A Rock

Karen Alfonso Rock, of Altamonte Springs, Florida passed away on January 21st, 2011. Karen had as beautiful a life as she was in life. Always the cheerful, adventurous, loving girl, mother and wife, she enjoyed her family, friends, tennis, travelling and the Gators. Karen will be remembered by so many that she also loved. Her life was too short as she bravely endured the debilitating Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) disorder she valiantly fought for over 5 years. Through it she maintained her spirit, courage and loving nature. Born in Tampa, Karen was the Swan of the Academy of Holy Names and went on to graduate from the University of Florida where she was active in Delta Gama Sorority and in 1959 was homecoming queen where she was featured in Life Magazine. Karen received her Master’s degree in education from the University of South Florida and taught in Tampa before she moved to Altamonte Springs, Florida where she taught emotionally and physically challenged children while raising her family. Karen was a friend of Bill W and was always there for her many friends and family. She taught through example how to live, love and carry on through adversity. A special acknowledgement and appreciation for the extraordinary care given to Karen is for her 24 / 7 angels Maxi, Marilyn and Christine.

Karen was pre- deceased by her husband Leo P Rock and parents Matias J Alfonso and Olevia E. Risse Alfonso. She is survived by her son Richard Adams (Barbra) – grandchildren Belle and Harry Adams , Ocoee , Florida and daughter Leigh Adams - grandchild Alex Matias Adams , Altamonte Springs, Florida , brothers Rex Alfonso (Jacqueline) Houston, Texas and Don Alfonso (Sandy) Tampa , Florida, as well as nieces and nephews Lisa Alfonso Speros, Andrea Alfonso, Monica Alfonso Berry, Don Christopher Alfonso, Alison Alfonso and Lauren Alfonso , grand-nieces Mia Alfonso and Ava Speros , grand-nephew Matias Speros and cousins in Kansas, Illinois, Texas and Florida. She will forever be in our memories and heart and will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday January 25, 2011 from 5:30 to 6:30PM at Marsicano-B. Marion Reed-Stowers with funeral services beginning at 6:30PM. A graveside service will then be held on Wednesday January 26, 2011 at 11AM at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Karen’s name to the charity of your choice or log on to http://www.Sshy-drager.org/donate to learn more and to support education about and research into the causes and cures for MSA.