Karen graduated from Edison High School in 1964 and also earned an Associate's degree from Middlesex County College. She served as a Paraprofessional for Old Bridge Public Schools and retired in 2012 after 28 years of service. Her colleagues remember her as patient, kind, thoughtful and caring.

As an avid cook, Karen could often be found watching cooking shows and trying new recipes. She loved to travel and particularly enjoyed cruises and trips to the Adirondacks. Karen adored her dog, Shadow, as well as her many granddogs and grandcats. She was a devoted wife and loving mother who enjoyed life to the fullest.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 47 years and "BFF," Stanley J. "Denny" Pomykola Jr.; her children, Tara K. Christensen and her husband, Brian, of Cliffwood Beach and Sean J. Pomykola and his wife, Kathleen, of Jackson. She is also survived by her sisters Gayle Maddox and her husband, Thomas, of Trappe, MD and Linda Kane and her husband, Michael, of Edison.

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 15, 2015, from 1-5 pm at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue, Fords, with a service being held during the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Lupus Foundation or the American Heart Association.