Karen Paris "Sparkie" Duncan

Duncan, Karen Paris "Sparkie", - 65, of Ocean City, Karen was an intriguing mix of roughhewn exterior and soft hearted goodness. She was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, one of three children. Being a child of an Air Force officer meant that she moved a lot before finally settling in Ocean City. This started her love for travel. She was an adventurous traveler, visiting Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Karen's life-long dream was to retire in Hawaii, build a container home and go off the grid. She even completed a welding course at the age of 63 in preparation of fulfilling that goal. She retired as a Journeyman Wireman from IBEW Local 351 this year. She had also been a member of Local 54. Karen was a 1973 graduate of Ocean City High School, a member of Gilda's Club of South Jersey, an active competitor with the Viking Dragon boat team in Ventnor, NJ, an ardent animal lover, and a loyal friend to all she loved. She was an avid adventurer who loved walks on the beach, rock climbing, world travel, paddling, cooking and baking cookies. Her family loved her chili and Christmas cookies. Karen had a very dry sense of humor that sometimes surprised people. Karen is predeceased in death by her parents, David Smiley Duncan Jr., Charlotte Paris, and an older sister, Zoe Wright. She is survived by her brother, David (Beverly), of McKenzie, TN., nephews David, Daniel (Jodi), and Drew Duncan, great-nephews David Duncan V aka "Eli", John David and Lawson. She has one niece, Becky Haskell,(John), and their sons Anthony and Dylan of Midland Texas. Karen is also survived by her many coworkers of IBEW Local 351, the members of Gilda's Club of South Jersey, her teammates on the Viking Dragons and many others. Karen will be missed by all who loved her and her quirky ways. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, April 1st at the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, 1707 New Rd., Linwood, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you stop by the funeral home on April 1st between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. and share some stories about "Sparkie". Donations can be made in Karen's name to Gilda's Club of South Jersey or to Atlantic County Canines. Condolences may be extended to the family at ghwimberg.com.