Karen A. Derda

1947 - 2024

Karen Anne (Karpinski) Derda, 77, of Natrona Heights, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. She was born June 28, 1947, in Natrona Heights, to the late Chester J. and Martha J. (Antkoviak) Karpinski. Karen was a graduate of Har Brack High School class of 1965. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1969, and she received her Masters in guidance counseling in 1972. She was a head resident of the Pitt Housing Department for four years after graduation. She taught at Knoch High School and Freeport Jr. High until she retired in 2012. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, and traveling, including trips throughout Europe with her husband while he was stationed in Germany. Karen was a member of Guardian Angels Parish, Natrona Heights Campus, and a volunteer for PSAR (the association of retired teachers). She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion, Brackenridge. Karen is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Leah) Derda, of Apex, NC; granddaughter, Anna Paige Derda; brother, James Karpinski, of Natrona Heights; and sister, Amy (Russell) Allinson, of Longwood, FL. In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Dennis C. Derda, on March 6, 2013. Friends will be received on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, from 12 noon until the time of a blessing service at 2:00 p.m., in the CICHOLSKI-ZIDEK FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1522 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights, 724-224-8688. Burial will follow in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. To send an online condolence, please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Karen may be made to Citizens Hose Fire-Rescue-EMS, www.citzenshose.com.