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Karen Stapleton Obituary
KAREN STAPLETON
BRADLEY BEACH
Karen Stapleton, of Bradley Beach and Cliffside Park, passed away Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010, while under the compassionate care of Meridian Hospice at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, after a five year courageous battle with cancer. Raised in Union City, she graduated from Emerson High School and received a Bachelors degree in Science from Montclair State College, where she later obtained her Masters degree she fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a teacher and taught High School Science for 37 years,the last 33 years at Secaucus High School. She taught until she could no longer physically do it and had to retire. Together with her husband of 38 years, Karen loved to travel, cruise as often as possible, enjoyed her beach and boardwalk at Bradley Beach and most of all enjoyed her time with her children and six grandchildren. She was extremely grateful that she got to see the birth of all six grandchildren, who were all born while she was undergoing treatment.
Karen was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Christine Pililis of West New York; and her uncles, Gregory Mallinas and William Mallinas. She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years and sweetheart for 47 years, James Stapleton; loving son and daughter-in-law, Dr. John and Krista Stapleton and their beautiful three children, John, Nicholas, and Alexander; loving daughter and son-in-law, Christina and husband Mark Van Horn and their beautiful three children, John, Angela, and Emily; her loving sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Thomas Owens and their children, James and Alexis; her brother, Steven Pililis; her brother and sister-in-law, Vincent and Carmella Stapleton; brother and sister-in-law, George and Carol Stapleton; sister-in-law, Kathleen Zack; brother-in-law, Joseph Stapleton; and many aunts and cousins living in the USA and in Greece.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 at the Francioni, Taylor & Lopez Funeral Home, 1200 10th and Atkins Avenues, Neptune. The funeral will leave at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 22 for a 10 a.m. service at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Asbury Park. Interment will be St. George Greek Orthodox Cemetery, Neptune. In lieu of flowers, make donations to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Stapleton
Despina Axiotakis
December 3, 2010
Dear Jim,
After 46 years, I finally had lunch with an old friend from Union City and Emerson High School and found out about Karen. Even though I haven't seen her for over 40 years, I never forgot her. I remember when the two of you were seeing each other in Union City many many years ago and her parents didn't approve because they wanted her to marry a Greek and she asked me to speak to them. I did and then things were a little better and I guess they did get better. I know how much you loved her all those years and I understand how you feel because I lost my husband 6 months ago and the pain is great. Jimmy, I truly wish you and your family comfort for your great loss. Our wonderful Karen that I truly will never forget.
Despina Ioannou Axiotakis
November 22, 2010
Dear Jim and Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. It's been an honor knowing Karen for the past six years. She was always smiling and upbeat in spite of what she was going through. So happy we got to know a very special, courageous woman. Love, Tom and Ronnie Cahill, Bradley Beach
joseph caputo
November 21, 2010
jimmy, so sorry for your families loss.
mary and joe caputo.
joseph a. caputo jr.
November 21, 2010
dear jimmy and family, all our sympathy for your families loss. i new jimmy from growing up in union city....
all our love mary and joe caputo
west keansburg n.j. 07734
November 21, 2010
I am so sorry for the loss of Mrs. Stapleton, she was a great teacher. I will miss her smiling face, which always made me smile. My sympathies to her husband, children and grandchildren. May she rest in peace.
Lisa Cuicci Steffenhagen
Secaucus High School, Class of 1980
November 21, 2010
November 20, 2010 I would like to extend my sympathy to the Stapleton family. Karen and I were childhood friends and grew up in Union City. Time seperated us for many years until she started to teach at Secaucus high school. My three sons were fortunate enough to have Karen as their teacher. She made such an impact on so many people she taught and will be greatly missed. God bless you, her family, who she loved and adored. Betty Impreveduto Sasso
Michael Guma
November 21, 2010
I would like to extend my sympathies to the Stapleton family. I was a student of hers (SHS Class of 1980). I remember her as kind, dedicated to her students, and a great educator. Her smile was contagious and I remember it well to this day. Please take comfort in the positive impact she made on the lives of so many of her students, family and friends.
Ginny DeSocio Lubinger
November 21, 2010
To Karen's family, My most heartfelt sympathies go out to you in this difficult time. I taught with Karen in SHS for many years...and when I think of her now, I can still see that wonderful smile she shared so readily with us all. She will be missed.
Bob Barkovitz
November 21, 2010
I taught with Karen from 1975-84 at Secaucus HS. She was a good teacher and a fine human being. This is so sad. She and her family will be remembered in my prayers.
November 20, 2010
Mrs Stapleton was a wonderful, caring person and a terrific teacher. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May God Bless You all. Jessica DePascale Gasser (SHS1990)
November 20, 2010
I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. Stapleton's passing. I remember her to be such a kind and caring teacher. So sorry for your loss. Jeanine Castellano Paszkiel (SHS1986)
Jeanine Paszkiel
November 20, 2010
I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. Stapleton's passing. I remember her to be such a kind and caring teacher. So sorry for your loss. Jeanine Castellano Paszkiel (SHS1986)
Lillian Curia
November 20, 2010
Dear Jim & Family. We remember Karen as a warm and lovely lady.
Sorry that she had to endure so much before she died.
Our heart and prayers go out to all of you.
Lil & John Curia
Colleen
November 20, 2010
I remember you as a kind, caring teacher who did a great job teaching. You were truly a gift to the children of Secaucus. I could only imagine the loss your family must be feeling.
Diane Just
November 20, 2010
Mrs. Stapleton was a great teacher and truly kind, nice person....someone you never forget. Deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Diane Just (SHS 1981)
Barbara and Jay Fagan
November 20, 2010
Our sincere condolenses to Jim and the Stapleton family. Karen was a wonderful, caring person and she will be greatly missed. Personally I will especially miss her smile, laughter and friendship. May God bless you and help you find comfort in your wonderful memories of such an amazing woman! Rest in Peace my dear friend!
Debi Knebel
November 20, 2010
Mrs. Stapleton was a fabulous science teacher! She will be greatly missed! Thank you for all of your hard work, Mrs. Stapleton!!! May God be with family and friends...
November 20, 2010
TO KAREN'S FAMILY. I WISH TO EXPRESS MY SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL. I WORKED WITH KAREN IN SECAUCUS AND KNEW HER TO BE A CARING ,DEDICATED TEACHER AS WELL AS A KIND FRIEND.. SHE HAD BOTH MY DAUGHTERS IN HER CLASSES DURING THEIR YEARS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL, AND BOTH HELD HER IN HIGH REGARD.. I AM SO SORRY.
SINCERELY, ANN CUICCI
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