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Cornell University New York University

FUNERAL HOME

Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel

68 Old Short Hills Road

Livingston, New Jersey

KAREN SCHUPAK Obituary

SCHUPAK--Karen D., MD. Passed surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, after eight years of living fully in defiance of lung cancer. Passionately devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, colleague and physician. Born in The Bronx on September 24, 1958, she grew up in Jericho, LI with her parents Sybil and Lawrence Schupak, and sisters Dina (Leyden) and Leslie (Hymowitz). A 1980 graduate of Cornell University and 1984 graduate of SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine, she completed her medical training at NYU and Memorial Sloan Kettering, where she joined the Radiation Oncology faculty in 1990. In 1996, she was part of the first group of doctors to establish the MSK Regional Network and held several leadership positions in that capacity. She was an ardent believer that the science of Medicine must be coupled with authentic humanity and recognition of the profound ministerial role in the physician-patient relationship. Karen was a role model for numerous young physicians and inspired them to practice with both intellect and empathy. She was a beloved colleague within the Institution and in Central New Jersey where she practiced at the MSK Regional Network sites for over 20 years. She was recognized as "Mentor of the Year" at MSK in 2012 and honored by the American Cancer Society of Central New Jersey at their gala in 2017 for her contributions. Karen was deeply curious about how things worked, sparked by her Grandma Fannie. Fannie, a pattern maker in couturier firms, could deconstruct a complex ball gown in a few seconds and know how to recreate it. An example of her handiwork lives at the Smithsonian as she was the pattern maker for Jackie's wedding dress when she married John Kennedy. Karen would recall fondly sitting at her grandma's feet as a three year-old as Fannie would make gowns for her dolls from scraps of beautiful fabrics. Karen channeled this experience as she spent her career perfecting custom radiation plans for her patients. Her greatest joy was her three wonderful children; Allison, Samuel and William, and the profound moment when they came into the world with hearty roars -- air becoming breath. Married to Christopher Horan for 24 years, she was proud of the family they raised together. Married to Jesse Pleet four months ago, they enjoyed five years of deep adoration, fun and adventure. Witty and eloquent with words, she would always capture your attention whenever she spoke. She will be sorely missed. She was a unique force of nature. Donations in her honor may be directed to The American Cancer Society--Central New Jersey Chapter, P.O. Box 720366, Oklahoma City, OK 73162. Relatives and friends are invited to arrive beginning at 10:30am for an 11:30am service on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039. Interment to follow at Sharon Gardens Cemetery, Valhalla, NY.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jan. 17, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for KAREN SCHUPAK

29 Entries

Stanley Greene (close friend of Krinskys)

October 25, 2024

Love & Condolences from Stanley Greene & Amy Greene Cha Fong Family

Tim

February 28, 2021

What an amazing person and doctor. Having suffered a recurrence of prostate cancer at 42 years old I was introduced to this angel, who was a tough, feisty and incredibly caring individual.

Never once did I doubt that I would be cured and never once did I realize that her battle was occurring same time as mine. What an amazing person to be able to cure others, while quietly battling along with us.

I’ll miss our exchanges and remember fondly her welcoming me as a patient and then discharging me back to my personal physician once I was cured. May God bless her soul and family.

Best Doctor & Friend

January 14, 2021

Karen Schupak - Friend, Colleague, Mentor

January 14, 2021

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Mehmet Tuna

January 14, 2021

Well what could I say about someone who had a profound effect on my life, I moved to the USA from Canada in the late '80s and worked with Karen at MSKCC for over 10 years. I can not emphasize enough how much I have learned both professionally and personally from her. Highlight I remember with Karen was when she attended my surprise 40th birthday and joined the fry Mehmet team. We had a great dinner about a few months prior to me finding out about her passing and she was so happy with herself and her personal life, I will forever miss our calls and discussions. Obviously, I miss her dearly and think about her often. Hope you are looking down on us and know you are missed so much by so many people. I am grateful to have had you in my life for the time we had and hope to see you again at some point. - Mehmet

John Valente

January 12, 2021

I worked with Dr. Schupak in the 90's in NYC. She would always get the attention of everybody in the room because they knew she would bring something very important to the conversation. Respected, sometimes feared, Dr. Schupak was a great radiation oncologist. Please remember this soul as a giver not a taker. God Bless you Karen.

Bonnie

June 23, 2020

I was thinking about you today and remembering how we became friends. When we met we barely knew each other. But then you needed some tests done In my department and I bravely walked in to help you and ... a friendship was born. How are the kids doing, how are you, what can I do to help. And we talked about things that were important to you. It seemed after that encounter we always came together at important times when we needed to share. Some sad... its back ... some wonderful... look at my ring... Im engaged. They were mostly short encounters but boy, they were inspired! We laughed and we cried and we hugged. I miss you my dear friend. You live in my heart and I will carry the memories of our friendship forever. Ill always remember how much you cared, your beautiful smile, and especially the too few moments of time we shared together. Heaven has another angel and your family is blessed to have you watching over them. Forever in my heart...Rest In Peace dear Karen

Sylvia Hess

October 23, 2019

Dr. Schupak was the best thing that happened to me after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She set up my radiation therapy. She made me comfortable immediately with her calm manner - her smile - and her upbeat attitude. Through the years we formed a friendship that included her and her husband attending my 70th and 75th birthday parties. I had no idea she had passed away until this morning. Memorial Sloan Kettering has suffered a great loss. Her parents, sister, husband, children and her many patients will never know another like her. I used to travel from Queens to Basking Ridge for my follow ups because I didn't trust anyone else like I trusted her. When I heard her clicking heels coming towards the room I was in - I immediately felt reassured. She was a treasure. I had a feeling something was "not kosher" about 3 years ago as she looked different - but being her, did not reveal anything about herself, saying the visit was about me - not her. I will miss her - there will never be another Dr. Schupak. I am sure she had the best care but unfortunately cancer won the battle. My sincere sympathy to her loved ones.

James Esser

June 20, 2019

My apologies for writing this so late, saw her passing mentioned in our med school newsletter recently. I met Karen in medical school at University of Buffalo, where she graduated one year before me. Our paths thankfully crossed again in NYC during residency. I loved Karen for her sweetness and calm demeanor through all the years of training she made look so easy. I can only imagine how her special gifts brought healing and comfort in equal measure to her patients. I know God has a special place for her in Heaven, and wish all the best to her children, friends and family.

Ken Gregory

March 21, 2019

My wife woke me this morning to tell me she just read on the internet Dr. Schupak passed away in January! I am in tears, shocked and so saddened to hear this terrible news....Dr. Schupak and her deeply caring nature will forever be engrained in my memory. As a patient, the first thing I noticed when I met her was her beautiful, soothing and confident speaking voice. Along with her arsenal of medical technology and expertise, she brought me from a state of fear and depression to a state of hope and promise of a future. May God forever bless her and RIP sweet Dr. Schupak.

Eddie Villafane

February 26, 2019

I met Doctor Karen Schupak in the fall of 2016 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Basking Ridge, I will never forget that day when she walked into the examining room and introduced herself with a big smile.After my diagnosis for throat cancer.She assured me that my disease was curable and was going to do her best to get my life back.Her compassion and dedication gave me the confidence that I was in good hands.Because of her support I managed to get through my Radiation Treatments. Not only was she a very talented physician,but a wonderful person. I will truly miss her.

Karen Advocate-Connolly

February 6, 2019

The Schupak Family has been a part of my life beginning with my father, a physician at Weil Cornell, who initially cared for Karen's mother and father, became their friends and then gave Karen advice on which medical specialty he saw had a future. She was leaning towards Internal Medicine, he recommended Radiology Oncology. Karen was a great friend. My Dad developed a glioblastoma, Grade 4, and she was by his bedside at MSKCC until he went to hospice. Our friendship developed and she always gave great advice. Someone who I admired and saw the love she had for her children and her husband. She was always humble and there for me! She will missed very much! I feel very fortunate to have had her in my life as well as the rest of the Horan-Schupak family. She is one in a million!

January 30, 2019

I am sitting here with tears flowing. Dr Schupak treated me at MSK in Basking Ridge for four years and I have never met a person with such vitality, sense of humor and above all hands on kindness .. She never let on that she was going through the same battle and that says so much about who she was. More than just grateful - I am so much a better human being having had her at one of the darkest moments of my life. Bless her.

mary jane mariani

January 28, 2019

Karen was my oncologist-God speed as she was the best inspiration for me and was so available to my girls as i was going thru my treatments --the heavens truly have a new bright star

Mary J Ullmann

January 28, 2019

1998 Dr Shupack treated me after I finished up 9 months of chemo therapy. My diagnosis came 18 months after my daughter was born. I remember the day I walked into her office - she was encouraging and positive. Her words still resonate in my head - she said we have statistics - you are not a statistic- you are an individual who needs to be positive . It was her words that kept me focused with the will to live - 20 years later ...I am a survivor! I will never forget her - medicine lost one of the great ones. !
May you rest in peace

Kathy Hollerith

January 25, 2019

The news of Dr. Schupak's passing has deeply saddened me. A bright, intense life force, she saved my life. I will remember her as a tough and compassionate person who spoke plainly to me and helped get through my toughest times. Peace to her and her family and let's work towards eradicating this relentless disease.

Sherri and Daniel Fontini

January 24, 2019

Dear Loved Family Members and Colleagues of Dr Schupak,

My husband Daniel and I met Dr Schupak in 2008. Dr Schupak fought with Daniel to get him treated with the upmost respect, brilliance and professionalism and has had him 100 percent in remission since that time. There was no giving up. She had no idea the impact she had in his encouragement and strive to fight the ever resistant demon of cancer. Daniel always would look forward to seeing Dr Schupak because in time, after treating his cancer, she would thankfully always have good positive results for him. She would often discuss her stories of her beautiful children that she loved so much. It doesn't surprise us to read that her greatest joys were her three children's "roars" as they came into the world. She was a brilliant Dr. who knew that the priorities of the basics in life consisted of loved ones, not only hers but recognizing that this is what we hang onto and strive to keep life for.
Thank you Dr Schupak for touching our lives in such a meaningful way. Greatness in the brilliance of an incredibly gifted physician was not her only greatest asset.It was her ability to recognize the real importance and value that each of us contribute to our loved ones and to help them maintain that value. God Bless Dr Schupak and may she rest in peace .She will truly be missed.

Maria Chan

January 20, 2019

I also worked with Karen closely for 20 years from MSK @ Dover/Denville to Basking Ridge. You set high standards in both work and life. You were a true mentor to me. I will miss you so much.

michael guida

January 20, 2019

I worked with Karen for 20 years. She truly was one of a kind and she will be missed by all that knew her. May she rest in peace.

Tracy (Pleet) & Kevin Troain

January 19, 2019

We are forever grateful that Karen and Jesse met, fell in love' and lived a quality of life most never get to experience. We witnessed their affection and felt their love whenever we all were together. We never saw my brother so relaxed and happy, than when in her presence. Karen, instantly became an integral part of our family & the feelings were mutual. May we all find comfort in fond memories, all the days of our lives. Her spirit will always hold a special place in our hearts and minds.

Sandra Steeneck

January 18, 2019

Dr. Schupak was not only my doctor but my friend for over 15 years. Tears are streaming down my face as I write these words. Her smile, sense of humor, and compassion will never be forgotten. You were one of a kind, Dr. Schupak!

Deborah Bracero

January 17, 2019

Dr. Schupak was my Dr for the last 4 years i am so saddened by her loss she not only was my Dr but was my friend I called her my hero for saving my life I am so sorry for your loss she will do be missed my heart is broken

Mehmet Tuna

January 17, 2019

Karen and I were friends and colleagues for over 25 years, she was kind, caring and courageous human. I can honestly say they broke the mold after Karen. It was my honor, pleasure and a privilege to have her in my life as long as I did. There will be a void forever in my heart and soul to loose such a beautiful human, friend, healer and first class Physician. May she Rest in Peace.

Charles Schultz MD

January 17, 2019

We are deeply saddened by the loss of this wonderful and caring person and doctor. She will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Charles and Suzanne Schultz

Justyna

January 17, 2019

You will be missed. There is not too many MD's like you. Truly one of a kind. RIP

Sud

January 17, 2019

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Annemarie Shepherd

January 17, 2019

Karen was a tremendous mentor to me. She taught me so much and helped me through many challenging cases and supported me through some tough times. I will miss her so much

Joyce Peterson

January 17, 2019

I know Karen will be missed. I had the privilege of working closely with her at MSKCC in Denville.

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