Karen J. Soliwoda

Karen Soliwoda of Erie, passed away on February 16, 2026.

Karen was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 23, 1946, a daughter of the late Bernard Soliwoda and the late Irene Poplaski Siry and the step-daughter of Roberty Siry.

She was a graduate of Villa Maria Academy and received her BA degree from Villa College in Spanish and her MA degree from the University of Notre Dame in Communications Arts.

She was a life long educator in both private and public education. She taught at St. John/Holy Rosary, and St. Andrew schools. She also taught at Villa Maria Academy High School, Central Tech and Strong Vincent.

In addition, she served as an adjunct lecturer at Villa Maria College, Gannon University and The Penn State Behrend campus for several years.

Upon retirement, she was a volunteer at Sunrise Senior Living. She also loved gardening and reading. She lived her life with good humor and kindness, and enjoyed her life with her family, her good friends, and her many pets. She was loved by too many to count.

Survivors include her sister, Gail Cassilly of St. Louis Missouri and her brother, Timothy Soliwoda and his wife Diane, of Wilmington, Delaware. Survivors also include five nieces and nephews: Max and Daisy Cassilly of St. Louis, Missouri, Brian Soliwoda of Sunnyside, New York, Steven Soliwoda and his wife Magda and Stacey Soliwoda of Wilmington, Delaware.

There will be no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc, West Ridge 3801 W. 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In her memory, please pass on her kindness.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com