Karen Kay Hernandez Schindler

In the early hours of March 16, 2023, Karen Kay Hernandez Schindler was called home to God. In a tragic turn of events after 23 years of remission, Karen was stricken with a rare and aggressive cancer which in a matter of weeks claimed the life of this precious soul. An only child of both Cuban and Spanish heritage, Karen spent the early years of her life in the colorful French Quarter where she attended St. Louis Cathedral’s primary school. After moving to a newly developed neighborhood in New Orleans East, Karen attended St. Mary’s Dominican High School where she was extremely active as both a “DEB” and a gifted volleyball player. She later graduated from the University of New Orleans where she majored in English and was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. Karen went on to work as a model employee at Delta Airlines for 17 years where she forged lasting friendships and traveled the world. She later joined the advertising sales team at The Times Picayune, where she proved to be an invaluable member for 22 years. Karen was extremely active within the YOU NIGHT organization to help women embrace life beyond cancer and contributed to countless charities and philanthropic endeavors. A decades-long parishioner of St. Dominic, she was devoutly committed to her Catholic faith and considered it a privilege to help and give to people from all walks of life. Known to family and friends as “KK,” Karen was an active and beloved member of the New Orleans community, in addition to being an especially popular fixture amongst neighbors and Lakeview residents alike. Her magnetic energy, charm and razor-sharp wit made her a standout in most circles and a favorite at parties. Karen’s inexhaustible creative contributions to anything involving a theme and her charismatic style of storytelling, made her a genuine source of levity and joy to anyone lucky enough to know her. The impact she has made on so many lives is immeasurable. To say that her absence will forever leave a “Karen shaped” hole in our hearts, is a profound understatement. She is survived by her loving sons, Blake and Dane, her devoted daughter, Elizabeth, and her forever “Plus One” and adoring soulmate of 42+ years, Don. Services will be held at St. Dominic Church on March 24, 2023, beginning with a visitation from 10:15am - 1pm, followed by a Catholic mass ending at 2:30pm. Masses preferred or donations to St. Michael Special School, 1522 Chippewa St, New Orleans LA 70130 or You Night @ donor box.org/Karen-Schindler-Memorial-Fund.