Karen Denise Janus

Karen Janus, 69, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025. She was born on July 20,1956, in Apopka, Florida, to J.B. Carter Sr. and Armanda Burnetta Carter. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Rick Hunsinger, their daughter, Rachel Nicole Hunsinger, and her second husband, Merven Janus. She is survived by her grandchildren, Amiya (David) Hunsinger Sliwa and Malachi Hunsinger, as well as her brother, Joseph B. Carter, Jr. Karen began her career as a legal secretary before finding her true calling in nonprofit fundraising. With a blend of vision, creativity, and determination, she became known for creating memorable gala events that drew wide support. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping secure funding for the Orlando Science Center, shepherding the project from an early idea into the remarkable institution it is today. Most recently, Karen served as Director of Development for the Fibroid Foundation, continuing her passion for service and advocacy. In her younger years, Karen could often be found at Arthur Murray's Dance Studio, delighting in ballroom dancing. Whether the Tango, Waltz, or Foxtrot, she glided across the floor with elegance and ease. Patient and detail-oriented, she had a gift for beautiful calligraphy and created intricate quilled art pieces, mastering the ancient paper art form. She was also the family historian, able to recall dates and stories with remarkable precision. And while cooking wasn't her favorite pastime, her mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, and the Carter family classic-tater tot casserole-were always top requests. Of course, she never went without her Coca-Cola or sweet tea close at hand. While being a wife and mom were roles she deeply cherished, Karen's greatest joy was being "Nana." She poured her heart into Amiya and Malachi, becoming their anchor, their biggest cheerleader, and their constant protector. Nana had a gift for turning ordinary days into extraordinary adventures. Amiya remembers snowy Tennessee mornings that ended with snow-cone treats, piggyback rides that finished with "princess milk," and curling up in Nana's bed when she wasn't feeling well, no matter how old she got. Summer trips to the springs with hot dogs, hamburgers, and watermelon felt as exciting as Disney World, thanks to Nana's special touch. Holidays were filled with traditions-chili after Halloween trick-or-treating, Christmas Eve pajamas and slippers, stockings that became the Christmas highlight, and a home filled with lights, decorations, and joy. She expressed her love not just through traditions but in everyday conversations. Sweet Nana was Amiya's "person," the one Amiya called throughout the day, sometimes about nothing at all, and Nana was always available to listen. Karen's personality was a blend of silly and wise, stubborn and sweet. She had a hearty laugh, a clever sense of humor, and a knack for making people smile. Priding herself on her ability to work even with the most difficult of people, Karen joked, "I can tell someone off, and they will walk away smiling." She loved playing Scrabble, often winning, and could frequently be found on her phone playing Candy Crush. Karen was intentional, patient, and deeply empathetic. A confidant to many, she had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. Even on Mother's Day, she requested KFC-Amiya's favorite-insisting that simply being with Amiya and Malachi was all she really wanted. Karen will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, who showed God's love through her care and kindness. Her tenacity, resilience, and loyalty touched the lives of all who knew her. Amiya and Malachi, know that you are deeply loved and that your Sweet Nana is so proud of you.