Karen Broedel's Obituary
Broedel, Karen (Stackowicz Merva) Passed in her sleep at her home she lovingly shared with her son and family on Dec. 20, 2017, after a long illness. Karen was born on Sept. 26, 1948, and grew up in the St. Vincent Shaft neighborhood, of Latrobe, PA. She attended St. Vincent Grade School and Saint Xavier’s Academy. Immediately upon graduation, Karen went to work at The Latrobe Bulletin—first as Society Editor, then adding more journalism credits to her resume, including interviews of newsworthy activists, politicians and entertainers. After moving to Florida in 1983 and working in retail and property management, Karen became a dedicated and indispensable employee for the State of Florida, first with the Division of Driver’s Licenses, then with the Florida Highway Patrol. She never hesitated to step in and offer a “helping hand” to anyone needing assistance—whether on the job or with friends, family members, and strangers.
Karen is survived by her son, Anthony “Tony” Merva; daughter-in-law, Adeline Gallo-Merva; grandson, Andrew Merva; and step-daughter, Elise Rendell. She also leaves behind her mother, Nelda Metz Stackowicz Merva; her sister, Marie Bloom Deckert, both of West Palm Beach, FL; brother Terry Stackowicz, of Morgantown, KY; and sister, Wanda Monholland, of Kingsland, GA. Karen was predeceased by the “love of her life” Peter Evans of Wellington, FL ; special aunt, Shirley Stackowicz Mase, of Derry, PA; father, Francis A. Stackowicz, Latrobe, PA; brother, Francis A. Stackowicz, Jr., of Greenwood, FL; and nephew, Todd Joseph Stackowicz, of Greensburg, PA.
Arrangements are made by beloved family friend, Michael S. Register of Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, Delray Beach, FL; a “celebration of life” will be held at a later date. Karen enjoyed the last months of her life, surrounded by the love of her two families—son, and his family and her felines, her family has asked that donations be made in her memory to the Cat’s Meow Animal Rescue of Loxahatchee, FL, or to your local animal shelter or rescue league.
https://www.facebook.com/catsmeowanimalrescue
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