Karen R. Olek of West Irondequoit, NY passed away peacefully July 1,2024 at the age of 70.
She was born on November 15,1953 in Rochester, NY. Daughter of Henry S. Olek and Mary (Liss) Olek.
She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Stephen Olek.
She is survived by her sisters Sharon (William- deceased) Catanese, Kathy (Mike) Kent, and her brothers Tim (Darcy) Olek and Jim Olek.
She is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and also relatives from Nebraska where our mom was born. Many friends loved her and she loved them.
Karen never married or had children, yet she did have “children”. They were her animals. She started with guinea pigs. She so enjoyed them. She let them run loose in the house or backyard. She always had control over them and never lost any while outside. There was always a cat in the house. They brought her joy. Her last cat Corey, died 2 weeks before she did. She also had a horse for over 20 years, an Appaloosa named C.J. (Chief Joseph. She loved him and he also loved her. He would be in the far pasture, and he knew she was there and galloped to the fence. When he was dying the vet gave him an injection to stop his heart, 2 times. He wouldn’t leave Karen. Karen had to tell him she would be okay and that she would meet him at the Rainbow Bridge. Only then did he die.
Karen loved to travel. She and mom went to Nebraska yearly. Our mom was born in Duncan, Nebraska. Mom and Karen also visited Civil War sites and other places in the states. I (Sharon) would join them several years later. We had so much fun!
Karen was a Civil War buff. she knew everything about the Civil War. We visited so many sites, and she told us what happened at each site. She visited Gettysburg often. Karen died July 1st in the morning. The battle of Gettysburg started July 1st in the morning.
She loved the Grand Canyon and visited often. Again, he told us about everything as we visited. She went on mule rides, also hiked many trails and went to Phantom Ranch. She also enjoyed a rafting trip on the Colorado River.
In later years she became a “born again” Christian. She loved the Lord with her heart and Soul. My sister, my friend. I loved her so much, and we were together often. I miss her.
Any donations in her memory can be made to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 16th, 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Webster Arboretum/Curry Bldg., 1700 Schlegel Road, Webster, NY 14580.
Comments
15 responses to “Olek, Karen R.”
My condolences and prayers go out to the entire Olek family. I knew Karen and the entire family for many years where we all grew up. I lived right across the street from Karen and have wonderful memories. She always brought a smile to everyone she encountered. Always cherish the memories you have. May she rest in peace.
My condolences to Karen’s family. I worked with Karen at Kodak and Carestream. She was a dedicated employee and always had a cheerful disposition. She did love her animals and always talked about them. My prayers for her and the family.
I worked with Karen at CareStream. My condolences and prayers to the family. May your memories bring you comfort.
I had the pleasure of working with Karen at Kodak and Carestream but it was the time we talked about her love of her animals that I will always remember. My condolences to your entire family and may God bless you all.
I worked with Karen from 2005 to 2022 with Polish blood making an immediate common bond between us. What I quickly found was that she was very meticulous in all she did, both and work and at home. Her positive attitude was an inspiration not only to me but to all who had contact with her. Please accept my sincere condolences.
I had the pleasure of working with Karen at Carestream for many years. She was always pleasant, helpful and our chats were about animals. She boarded her horse around the corner from my home. Her love for animals reminded me of my daughter whom has many.
Thoughts and Prayers to the family. She was a very pleasant person.
I had the pleasure of working with Karen at Carestream for many years. She was always pleasant, helpful and our chats were about animals. She boarded her horse around the corner from my home. Her love for animals reminded me of my daughter whom has many.
Thoughts and Prayers to the family.
sounds like she was a great lady with a great and devoted sister
I had the pleasure to work with Karen at Carestream. I would see her almost everyday. We would chat about her travels and love for her horse and animals. She was a great person inside and out. She will be deeply missed!
May you rest in peace my friend!
Family of Karen Olek I send my sincere condolences. I worked with Karen at Kodak for many years. She became a great work friend to me. I was new to the department and she welcomed me and helped me to get acclimated. I wish we had stayed in touch after Kodak. She went to work at Carestream and I was laid off. She had a wonderful spirit and soul and loved all animals. Keep her in your hearts with memories. The sky has gained another shining star.
We met in 1st grade and we became fast friends! We both loved animals, especially our horses! Over the years we lost touch and then came back and it was so easy to just pick up where we left off. I will so miss our goofy talks and silly texts. She was really my sister “by another mother”! Her faith and attitude and trust in our Lord got her through the tough times and now she is with Him. As much as I’ll miss her, she in a better place with all her animals!
Soo sad to hear the passing of Karen. She was such a sweet person and soo caring of her animals. My condolences to her family. RIP my friend. Praying for the family to get through this loss.
I had the privilege to call Karen my Friend..I met her and her sister Sharon at church..I learned quickly that Karen had a Huge Christian Heart❤️.We stayed in touch after I started going to another church but didn’t forget Karen..I know Heaven gained another Angel to watch over us all. Sending Prayers of Comfort to Karen’s Family..RIP Karen till I see you Again.
I met Karen in church.
She was a beautiful soul and loved Jesus, family and her horse in that order.
I know Sharon, how much you will miss her.
You will reunite one day.
Much love
I was blessed to have known Karen for more than 40 years, as my next door neighbor and my very dear friend. She was an unbelievably kind and gentle soul, always giving of herself and her time to help others. Her passing will undoubtedly leave a huge void in the lives of those that knew her and loved her. I know that it has for me. My condolences to all of her family, but especially to Sharon, who seemed to share an extra special bond with Karen.