It has been awhile since we connected but I am deeply saddened by this news. Karen's heart was so big and her actions so very kind. I will never forget looking forward to birthdays in the office so that I'd get to sample another of her cakes. So giving with not expectation of reward or a return. 

Karen and I went to Power Pump nearly every Wednesday after work. I am both perpetually late and chained to my desk and Karen always managed to make it there first and grab our preferred spot in the back corner. She'd set up all of my equipment, knowing that I'd never get there in time to do it myself. These acts of love populate my full memory of Karen. I've missed her in the interim years and am so sorry that the world has lost her, but am happy that this special angel can now watch over us.

And pain me as it may, I will hereby root for the Steelers for the rest of the football season in your honor. We love you, Karen.

My thoughts and prayers to the family of Karen. I was privileged to work with Karen a few years ago. Karen was a wonderful person,  I enjoyed our talks and laughs,  I will remember her fondly.  

We were fortunate to know Karen through our sailing community of friends as she joined us many times on the water and at marina parties. Karen was always fun to be with and very kind to everyone. Her passing is a great loss to us all. She lived her life on her own terms and we all admired her.
I remember a recent exchange we had via Facebook where she was asking for advice on caring for a baby bunny overnight until she could get it to a shelter. She ultimately created a way to keep it warm and succeeded in helping it survive to go to the shelter. Karen was always caring and attentive to all.

We're so sorry for your loss. Karen will be badly missed by all who knew her. Kathy, David, Nathaniel, and Kathryn, and all of her friends and family, we pray that God's love will comfort you. 
All our love,
The Kozuch Family

l  want everyone to know how Karen genuinely cared about people. She had a great instinct for knowing when a random act of kindness, small gift, carrot cake or kind words could brighten someone’s day. Here is my favorite Karen memory. 

Karen was on my team at a terrible work place and I had been fired. I left relieved but she knew that I was not completely whole. I left behind great co-workers and a life size cardboard Stormtrooper.  She asked me out to lunch a few days later. She asked how I was doing and told me I would be fine. Then with a twinkle in her eye, she opened up her trunk and pulled out the Stormtrooper.  I laughed so hard that I cried as she described stealing it back at the end of the work day.  I brought it home and found a better work place where it stands today. Karen joined me and added a Christmas Yoda to our team’s collection. She even took Yoda on a trip to Pittsburgh and shared her adventures along the way with me and her co-workers. 

As I visited her in the various hospitals, I met so many people with similar stories. It made me happy that I was fortunate to be one in a long line of people impacted by her kind gestures. 

She will be missed but I will be reminded of her on daily basis every time I look at the life size Stormtrooper that she stole in my office. 

Thank you Karen



My friend, you will be missed so much more than you know.  While years of 'work life' were shared between us, you (and Oakley) visited me here at home, and you were always asking about my kids and family like they were your own.  Quiet, reserved (unless politically rousted :o) you genuinely cared about what was going on with me, at home, at work, everywhere.  Your passion for those you loved lives on girl...go in peace, and know you will never be forgotten.

Celebration of Life

She is predeceased by her father, Thomas E. Gustafson and niece, Sara Gustafson. Karen is survived by her mother, Kathryn Ann Gustafson; 2 brothers: Tom (Gwen) Gustafson and Gary (Renee) Gustafson; 2 sisters: Patricia Dellinger and Kathryn (David) Mintz; 3 nieces: Lindsey, Gabby, and Lauren; 3 nephews: Taylor, Thomas and Nathaniel; and a host of extended family and friends.She

OBITUARY

Karen Ann Gustafson

August 2, 1964 – November 27, 2019

Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home

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