Karen Gayle Dudley

Karen Gayle Dudley passed away peacefully at her home in Sewall’s Point, Florida, on July 14 after a valiant battle with cancer in the loving embrace of her husband, close friends, and fur babies. Karen was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Elemer (Duke) and Anna Domonkos in 1950. She is predeceased by her brother, Fred. Karen graduated from Kutztown University, was a professional vocalist with a nine-piece band and was awarded Miss Congeniality in the Miss Lehigh Valley Pageant (Miss America) in 1978.

Karen was a branch manager for General Electric Credit Corporation before moving to Florida in 1979 where she worked for American Financial Corp in Tampa and Centrust and Citibank in Miami. Karen found her professional passion in 1991 when she began the second chapter of her career as a philanthropic fundraiser for the University of Miami, South Florida Annenberg Challenge, Miami Children’s Hospital, Zoological Society of Florida, and The Nature Conservancy. In recent years, she shared her expertise as a consultant and volunteer to many non-profit organizations in South Florida.

Upon retiring in 2020, Karen, Chris, and their Shetland Sheepdogs moved from their long-time home in Coral Gables to Sewall’s Point, near Stuart. Karen’s survivors include her loving husband Chris of 38 years as well as her sister-in-law Bernice, nieces Dana and Sara, great nieces Cayla and Lexi, great nephews Brody and Sebastien, and beloved shelties River and Xena.

In the coming months, celebrations of her life will be held with friends and family in Allentown, Sewall’s Point, and Miami. As Karen loved to travel, her ashes will be scattered in the places she and Chris enjoyed most, including Hawaii, California wine country, Alaska, Europe, and Africa.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to Seraphic Fire, Boys & Girls Clubs, or charity of your choice.