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Karen Sparka Obituary
July 7, 2022
Today our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of our older sister, Karen Sue Sparka, who passed away suddenly at the age of 71 in Rochester, New York.
Karen was born in Indiana and moved to Rochester at a young age. She graduated from Penfield High School in 1968, and from Bowling Green University in 1972. While at Bowling Green, she was Miss Ohio in the 1972 Miss America pageant. In the years following, she was a successful actress and singer. She toured with The New Christie Minstrels and made many television commercials for Rochester businesses.
At the age of 31, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She battled that disease for 40 years, but she never let it dampen her beautiful spirit.
Karen will be remembered for her passion for life, her joyful heart, and her love of family and friends. She was a deeply religious person whose unwavering faith in a higher power sustained her through life's challenges. Her bright light left us too soon.
Karen is preceded in death by her father Donald Sparka and her mother Janet Sparka. She is survived by her sisters Peggy McLeish (Andrew McLeish) and Jennifer Sparka (Jeff Berryman), and by her nieces Jennifer Moccia (Sam Minnis) and her nephew Jeffrey Moccia (Lauren Moccia).
A celebration of Karen's life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Brenda Kitt
September 14, 2022
Karen was an inspiration with her zest for life. She had many accomplishments as an actress and singer. She enjoyed others and had many friendships. She was a Christian who lived by her faith. Her many challenges with MS didn't deter her caring nature and love of family and others. She was a friend growing up through middle and high school and I have many fond memories of our times together and will always remember her big smile and sense of humor.
Karen was a special person as a daughter, sister, and friend.She will be missed.
Brenda Kitt
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Bobbi Jo
July 13, 2022
Karen will be missed by her friends and extended family at MCH. It was a pleasure caring for her. God bless you all.
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