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Karen "Karebear" McKenzie
Karen "Karebear" McKenzie
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Karen McKenzie Obituary
Karen was known for her vibrant personality and contagious laughter, which could light up any room. She wore her heart on her sleeve, making friends everywhere she went and was always there for her family and friends. Her interests were deeply personal and whimsical, from her love of Disney to her collections of pigs and snowmen. Karen also found joy in riding motorcycles, embracing the freedom and thrill it brought.
She is survived by her loving husband, Michael McKenzie; her children, Michael Klyzub (Jolie), Kristin Gonzalez (Nicholas), Kelli Klyzub (José), Dylan Sweigart (Kassidy), and Ryan Sweigart (Kasey); step-children, Stacy Herczeg (Brian), JC Sweigart (Katie), Brittany McKenzie and Kari McKenzie. Karen was also a cherished grandmother to Aidan, Michael, Benjamin, Hunter, Kylie, Jonathan, Matthew, and Maleeyah, Jayden, Conner, Brielle, AJ, Bryce, Braelyn and a great-grandmother to James. Her sisters, Kimberley Lilley (Thomas) and Susan Lange, also survive her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Elsie Lange.
A Celebration of Life for Karen will be held at a later date, details of which will be announced in due course.
Karen's legacy of love, laughter, and warmth will live on through the countless lives she touched. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
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Denise Culver
August 9, 2024
I can't believe the news. Karen reached out to me in 2014 when my husband was given a year to live. She made me feel like I wasn't alone, made me laugh, and even invited me to visit and stay at her house. I always enjoyed talking with her. She was definitely one of a kind and those that knew her were very lucky.
To her family and those that loved her, I send my deepest condolences.
Belinda Windsor Walker
August 9, 2024
This is so sad! We had lots of great times together! You will be remembered!!
My prayers are with Michael and her family!
RIP my friend!!
Manny Pereira
August 8, 2024
I am deeply saddened to hear that Karen has passed.. Although I have not seen her in quite some time I have so many great memories of our friendship..a true and Genuine friendship , She will be missed.. My sincere condolences to all of the family .
Marty and Judy
August 8, 2024
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Marty and Judy
August 8, 2024
Marty and Judy
August 8, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Brenda
August 8, 2024
Met Karen at BON events she was always the life of the party her contagious smile and laugh. And big heart RIP Doll
Babette Merritt
August 8, 2024
Karen...I met you many many years ago when BON first started. We had great times at Hilltop, Ocean City, York and other places in Maryland. I will never forget our silly goofy eyeball crossing fun times. You were so much fun and I will never forget you. Each time I look up to the skies I will think of you and send you love. Always your friend...God bless you, Babette Merritt....Babs Bunny...Angelrdr
Kimberly
August 8, 2024
Kimberly
August 8, 2024
Kimberly
August 8, 2024
Rebecca Escalera
August 8, 2024
Such a sweet person. She invited me in like I knew her forever. She started me on the Jaegerbombs! Lol. Met her when we were doing the "BON" thing. Such good times. Prayers to Mike and the entire family. God definitely called a good lady home.
Megan (Conover) Boszko
August 8, 2024
Sending my heartfelt condolescences to Karen´s family. You will be greatly missed.
Pam Moffett
August 8, 2024
Pam Moffett
August 8, 2024
Pam Moffett
August 8, 2024
Karen was the first person to welcome us when we moved to Pasadena in 2011. There are so many great memories of her laughter and love for life. I am going to highlight the BON Xmas parties because she was the driving force behind organizing these. Thanks to her we threw great events and collected so many toys and cash for children in need. I will always remember KAREBEAR and her giant heart and quick smile.
Kelli her "boo"
August 8, 2024
A picture of her great grandson she was only able to meet through a video chat. He will grow knowing how amazing she was. I still can't believe she's gone. I am hurting and yet happy she's at peace. Her loved ones are hurting badly and I know she wouldn't want that. I am blessed to be her twin. I share many things my mom had with her: looks, her silliness, and her laugh. I know how much she loved us all and how much she loved me. I know I will get to have one of her incredible hugs again one day. I love you, my mommy. I will always be your boo! Send me a sign your ok, please visit me in your own way and I'll keep looking for you in the sky.
Susan "Pooh" Lange
August 8, 2024
Susan "Pooh" Lange
August 8, 2024
Susan "Pooh" Lange
August 8, 2024
Susan "Pooh" Lange
August 8, 2024
The memories Karen and I share are some that nobody else could possibly understand. Our mother used to say we annoyed anyone trying to hang with us because we finished each other's sentences and had a nonstop run of inside jokes. She was more than my big sister...she was my friend....and for many years we did everything together. Lord how I wish I could pick up the phone on my way home from work and call you, Karen.....I will miss the phone calls and the laughter....I love you so much and processing this is going to take a lot of time. Your "funeral" songs - Speak to the Sky & Spirit in the Sky....I will speak to the sky and talk to you and now you are my spirit in the sky. Rest in peace, dear sister......I love you so much and will miss you.....
Kelli her boo
August 7, 2024
Kelli her boo
August 7, 2024
Kelli her boo
August 7, 2024
Mom with her grandsons and grand daughter and also her bonus daughter!!! I miss you so much mommy
Kylie sweigart
August 7, 2024
Shane Marano
August 7, 2024
I don´t know where to start, so here it goes,I´m lost for words here because growing up as kids our families were so close almost inseparable lol. Mike was one of my best friends and Kristen and Mick were friends and Brittany and Kelli were like sisters. Our families did almost everything together BBQ´s, pool parties, beach, you name it we were like one big family. Then the day came when I had to witness the pain of my best friend and his sisters loose their father. Then we all eventually grew up and yes most of us have gone our separate ways in life and some of us have our own families. But we are now coming together to remember a great woman and someone I considered a second mom growing up. My heart breaks for the family but glad that she is now with her husband in peace. Will all miss you and one day we will all be together in our Fathers Kingdom!!
Kristin Gonzalez
August 7, 2024
My mom was something beyond words. Her goofiness and contagious laughter would make the room light up. I just cant believe she is no longer a phone call away. I love you so much mom!
Kristin Gonzalez
August 7, 2024
Your laugh, your smile, your big heart. There is so much about you that I will miss and I still can't believe it's real. I love you mom
Kristin Gonzalez
August 7, 2024
I still can't believe this is real life. I love you so much, mom and can't believe you aren't just a phone call away anymore. I've went to call you so many times and have to stop myself. Rest in Paradise Mommy!!
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