Karen Lynn AUNGST

AUNGST, Karen Lynn

63, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away Thursday, May 3, 2018 at Suncoast Empath Hospice after a courageous 18-month battle with brain cancer. Karen was born July 8, 1954 in York, Pennsylvania to Larry R. Pike and Sandra M. Pike (Thomas). As a child, she spent cherished time with her paternal grandmother Helen Pike (Spinney) whom she loved deeply and with whom she shared a wonderful sense of humor. Upon her father's graduation from Franklin & Marshall College in 1958, she moved with her family to East Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, where her sister, Christine Frain (Pike), was born in 1959. In 1963, she moved with her family to Springfield, Pennsylvania. In 1969, she moved with her family to Newark, Delaware, where she graduated from Newark High School in 1972. Her classmates voted her 'happiest girl in school' as a senior year superlative. Karen met her loving husband, Brian J. Aungst Sr., in the summer after high school graduation. She attended college at the University of Delaware for one year but did not complete a degree. She would humorously cite a lack of campus parking as a reason she left school to work in Wilmington, Delaware in 1973. Initially she worked at Equitable Insurance before becoming the manager of Bridal and Tuxedo Outlet, also in Wilmington. Karen became engaged to Brian Sr. in 1973 and they were married on May 22, 1976 at Limestone Presbyterian Church. At work, she loved helping brides prepare for their weddings for the better part of a decade before leaving Bridal and Tuxedo Outlet upon the birth of her son, Brian Jr., April 28, 1984.

In 1988, she moved with her two "Bris" to Clearwater, where Brian Sr. worked as a cable television executive for 30 years prior to retiring earlier this year. In Clearwater, she made a significant community impact as an active volunteer and philanthropist. Karen co-chaired several major and successful community events along with her husband, Brian. In 1999, they co-chaired the Morton Plant Mease Foundation Toast to Life at Innisbrook. The Toast to Life raised over $200,000 that year which was a record at that time. In 2002, she co-chaired Charity Works Monopoly Night and was actively involved supporting Charity Works on various committees for more than 20 years. In 2003, she co-chaired the American Cancer Society Cattle Baron's Ball.

Karen was very active in Brian Jr.'s education and was a regular presence in Pinellas County Schools as a volunteer. She served as President and Chair of several PTAs and School Advisory Councils through the years. For these efforts, she was recognized as volunteer of the year at both Safety Harbor Middle School and Countryside High School. During this time, she managed to find the time to be a three-time National Cable Ace award-winning TV producer of a local cable show for kids, "Check it Out." She also operated a not-for-profit handbag charity making and donating cigar box handbags that raised funds for numerous charity auctions. She was active on numerous committees for The Arc (formerly UPARC) for decades and was instrumental in organizing the charity's annual fashion show. Karen was also actively involved on the committee for the Light House of Pinellas Tour of Kitchens fund raising event for several years.

In 2002, she was recognized as 'Mrs. Countryside' by the Mr. and Mrs. Countryside committee for her years of community service. Her special blend of continuous community service, philanthropy, and lifelong dedication to Clearwater were recognized by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2017, when she and her husband Brian Sr. were named 'Mr. and Mrs. Clearwater.' From 1999 to 2005, she served as the ceremonial 'First Lady' of Clearwater during her husband, Brian Sr.'s, two terms as the Mayor of Clearwater. During that time of progress and prosperity she was affectionately referred to as "Mrs. Mayor," and was credited with making a positive personal impact for the citizens of Clearwater. Karen and Brian Sr. loved traveling the world, especially on adventures to the great wine travel destinations. In 2008, she founded Tampa Bay's Fine Wine Guide, a free annual publication distributed throughout the Tampa Bay area, to share her experiences from wine country. Karen enjoyed spending time at her parents' home in Sanibel, Florida which she affectionately referred to as her "happy place." She also loved socializing at Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training and Clearwater Threshers games. She cherished every moment she spent with her granddaughter, Brynn Paisley Aungst, and enjoyed taking her on outings to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Countryside Library, the Westfield Countryside Mall, and Clearwater Beach.

Karen is survived by her loving mother, Sandra M. Pike of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; her devoted husband of 42 years, Brian J. Aungst Sr. of Clearwater; their son, Brian J. Aungst Jr. and his wife, Cary of Clearwater; her two grandchildren, Brynn Paisley Aungst and Robert Bruce Aungst; her loving sister, Christine Frain and her husband, Kevin of York, Pennsylvania; and her loving in-laws, Margaret "Mae" Aungst and Randall "Randy" Aungst of Largo. She leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Larry R. Pike who passed away in 2010 after his own courageous battle with cancer. Karen, her mother, and her sister provided loving care and comfort to Larry during his illness.

Karen was a bright light in the lives of many people in her community and across the country. She will always be remembered as a compassionate and loyal friend and a fierce defender when needed. She was gregarious and her generosity was visited upon many people through the years. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Clearwater for Youth, C/O Valley National Bank, Attention Jeanie Renfrow, 1617 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, Florida 33755; www.clearwaterforyouth.com. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, June 15, 2018, at Calvary Baptist Church, 110 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater, Florida 33759. Moss Feaster Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 693 South Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida 33764, is in charge of arrangements. On-line register book and condolences are available at www.mossfeaster.com