Karen was my best friend. I remember when we first met in our sophomore year in  highschool. I was instantly drawn to her.
It was that smile, the one that lights up a room.  She was sweet and kind, open and unassuming. A beautiful girl, slender, sparkling blue eyes and long blond hair. 
Both of us aspired to become Nurses, we shared values and goals.
Karen was grounded and focused even at the age of 15. When  we were together, I felt grounded and focused.
Most would agree Karen was a kind gentle person ,yet beneath the surface she was determined, purposeful, and possessed a willpower that could move mountains.  She embodied                                                       
gentle compassion with grit and strength of character.
I loved Karen .  She  inspired me, I admired her.  She was and is a part of my life and being. I hold her in my heart.
Rosemarie Cardone

Karen came to me a few years ago asking for pickleball lessons and was faithfully taking her lesson every week she was in MA.. 
She was just a terrific person,  but impressed me so much for her ability and willingness to work on a game she has just started to learn. She had never played a racket sport before and was always surrounded by what she called tennis bashers! She worked really hard at her game and always did her homework, hitting against the wall half hour before her lesson to train her technique.  I loved teaching her. She gave me so much joy and I will miss her dearly.
Claudine Watson

I met Karen while playing pickleball at the Marblehead senior center where we all started to play.  .  We had a small group of girls who looked forward to playing together . Karen was always happy and always with a bright smile she would always be fun to be with. Of course we had dinners together and became good friends.   I am very sad to hear this news.  Thinking of her family w prayers.  Patty clark.

I am truly saddened over the loss of a beautiful soul,  my “sista”, and friend, Karen. I worked with Karen for many years in different disciplines. When I obtained my degree as a nurse anesthetist, Karen paved the way for me  as I jumped through many a hurdle, offering kind words and sharing her many years of knowledge and experience as a CRNA. We would get through the difficult days with laughs, songs ( usually in her own made up words); we stuck together, thick as thieves. Karen had spiritual energy and was so strong. She literally carried me when I was physically weak and I needed her strength.’Though we both moved on after retirement, Karen knows that I carry her in my heart forever. She will always be my true “sista”. ♥️

How very sad. I played pickleball with Karen as a newbie and I could never return her balls. I would strive to play like her at skills and drills this summer at Beverly High School. She was a force to be reckoned with. A funny, sweet person who loved playing pickleball. I will miss her.

Karen and I have been friends since we were 13 years old growing up in Natrona Heights , Pennsylvania and graduating from Har- Brack high school in 1967. Not only was she one of the prettiest girls in our class, she was one of the sweetest and kindest and smartest girls. For both of us to move to Marblehead 45 years ago is serendipitous  , a pure gift from God. We were both nurses and each had a son and Karen a loving husband Jerry.  Our friendship deepened the more time we spent together and also as we grew older.  A few weeks ago, I was texting our classmate Ron Davis and told him I’d have more to say after I had lunch with Karen. When I got home that day, Karen had sent a message to me. She said  “ I  have so much love in my heart for you. “ I will cherish that message forever but not nearly as  much as I will cherish Karen and my love for her. God speed Karen. I’m so lost without you.. Debby Stockdale

I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. We loved playing pickleball with her! She was so kind, so sweet, and loved to laugh and have fun while we played. I send my deepest condolences to her family and friends and all who knew her.
Nancy Whiting

OBITUARY

Karen (Peckney) Yoffa

April 11, 1949 – December 9, 2025

Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel

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