Karen L. Gotay

Karen Gotay of Crofton, Maryland peacefully passed away at age 73 on Friday, June 30. She was surrounded by family after an extensive battle with cancer. Karen was born July 7th 1949 to her mother, Betty Buck and her father, Franklyn Buck. Karen grew up in Prince George's County with her two brothers Stephen and Ronald Buck. She graduated from Bowie High School and went on to continue studying at the University of Maryland. Her first job was as Manager of Direct Mail for U.S. News & World Report Magazine in Washington D.C. During her years there she met her husband Chester and they married in 1979. Soon after, she became the mother of two daughters. Karen cherished her time as a stay at home mom when her girls were young. She devoted this time making sure that her family was taken care of and teaching her girls the importance of being kind, compassionate, and considerate to others. Her love of art, music, jewelry, pets, and shoes was also passed on to her daughters. Karen committed the next three decades back in advertising/direct mail. This as Director of Client Services, for a major corporation, where she made connections with people that would become lifelong friends and were very dear to her heart. After retiring from work she was able to spend time being a Gram spoiling her granddaughter, which she loved doing. Karen had the ability to make you feel like you had already known each other, even if it was the first time you were meeting. She loved sharing her life with her husband. Karen was hardworking, loyal, unselfish, and a loving wife and mother. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Karen is survived by her loving husband Chester; daughters Erin Gotay (Tim Fronzoli), Whitney (Chris) Stoner; granddaughter Tilly; brothers Stephen Buck, Ronald (Elise) Buck; mother in law Louise Gotay; sister in law Carmen (John) Burke.
A celebration of her life will be planned at a later date.