Karen A. Lloyd

Karen A. (Urmanec) Lloyd January 26, 2021 Karen Anne Lloyd, 76, formerly of Breinigsville, PA, passed away on Tuesday, January 26th at the Manor of Fellowship Community in Whitehall, where she had resided for the past 5½ years after suffering a debilitating stroke in 2015. Karen was born at home in Lathrop Township, Susquehanna County, on March 31, 1944, to the late Peter Urmanec and Lucille Walters Urmanec. Growing up on the family farm, Karen learned to drive a tractor in order to help with the haying. In her teenage years, she had a horse named Pal that she loved riding around the neighborhood with friends. Karen attended the Hop Bottom School through ninth grade. When it closed, she transferred to the Mountain View High School from which she graduated in 1962. At Mountain View, she enjoyed being a member of the cheerleading squad and chorus. She was proud to have earned the French Award in her senior year. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg State College in 1966, Karen accepted a second grade teaching position in the Parkland School District at Schnecksville Elementary. She retired in 1997 after teaching second and third grades for 31 consecutive years. While still teaching, Karen was honored to be included in the 1992 Edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers after being nominated by a former student. In retirement, Karen was able to pursue her many and varied interests such as golf, line dancing, travel, her Red Hat group and gardening. In addition, every Christmas season Karen worked part time at a local Christmas tree farm. Purchasing land and having a new home built in 2000 was a job that she tackled with determination and enthusiasm. Karen was a great animal lover, and she had many dogs and cats as pets over the years. Her beloved dog Didi, 15, a miniature dachshund, now lives with her niece Julie. A lot of feral cats lived near Karen's home, and concerned for their welfare, she would feed and take them for veterinary care if needed. She even gave each of the cats a name. Karen is survived by her brother Marsden and his wife Sally, Waymart, PA; her brother Ted, Mount Holly, NC; two nieces Julie Garman, Ephrata, PA, and Mary Brown and husband Adrian, Waymart, PA; as well as great-nephews Ethan and Ryan Garman; and great-nieces Sarah and Danielle Brown. Also surviving are her best friend and “the sister she never had” Donna Lazun and husband Charlie, along with Linda Schadler, a fellow teacher and long-time friend of over 50 years. Karen’s family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the staff at the Manor for the wonderful care given to her during her time there. Per Karen’s wishes, she was cremated with no viewing or services. A luncheon will be held in her honor for family and friends at a later date in the Allentown and Waymart areas when it is deemed to be safe for all to attend. Arrangements have been provided by Jenkins-Howell Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472.