Karen L. Dirzuweit

Karen L. Dirzuweit passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2023. She was in the same rocking chair she used to rock her children as babies, with her beloved husband of nearly 50 years by her side. She leaves behind many loved ones who will sorely miss her: her husband Edward Dirzuweit, son Carl (Candace) Dirzuweit, daughter Lynn (Leif) Hums, Granddaughter Chloe Armentrout, sister-in-law Joanne (Rick) Squires, and many friends.

Karen was born on September 9, 1950 in Collingswood, NJ to the late George and Ruth (Ewe) Mathis. Also welcoming her to heaven are her daughter Ann Dirzuweit, brother Kenneth Mathis, Aunt Virginia (Lee) Dougherty, father and mother in-law Robert and Carmela Dirzuweit, and her dearest friends Susan Garrett and Shirley Conroy.

Karen was blessed with the gift of artistry. She honed her talent at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education in 1972. She went on to become an award winning artist and also shared her talent with others though private lessons. Throughout her lifetime she explored working in many mediums, including watercolor, oils, pastels, and pen and ink. Her creativity extended into other crafts including jewelry making, crochet, knitting, and sewing.

After retiring from a career as a Machine Operator at Pepperidge Farm in Denver, Pennsylvania, Karen had 10 years to enjoy a retirement full of the things she loved. In addition to her art, she enjoyed camping with her husband and traveling with her daughter. She was inspired by the beach and the ocean, particularly Cape May, New Jersey, which was the subject of many of her paintings. She also cherished the company of her cat Fuzzy – a stray who picked Karen to be her human.

Karen was also an avid gardener with a green thumb. In addition to her outdoor gardens, she enjoyed container gardens and orchids. However, her favorite plant to work with was African Violets, of which she had over 100 in various stages of growth. She was an active member of the African Violet Society of Philadelphia since 2010. Over the years her plants and designs won numerous awards. She was said to “always [be] so nonchalant about her success and gifts.”

While the world feels less colorful without Karen in it, her family is grateful for the time she survived heart disease and that she was able to maintain her quality of life until the end.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen's memory to Fosterlings Kitten Rescue or the American Heart Association.

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