Karen A. Derda

Karen Anne (Karpinski) Derda, 77, of Natrona Heights, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024. She was born June 28, 1947, in Natrona Heights to the late Chester J. and Martha J. (Antkoviak) Karpinski. Karen was a graduate of Har Brack High School class of 1965. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1969 and she received her Masters in Guidance Counseling in 1972. She was a head resident of the Pitt Housing Department for four years after graduation. She taught at Knoch High School and Freeport Jr. High until she retired in 2012. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, and travel including trips throughout Europe with her husband while he was stationed in Germany. Karen was a member of Guardian Angels Parish, Natrona Heights Campus and a volunteer for PSAR (association of retired teachers). She was a member of Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion, Brackenridge.

Karen is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Leah) Derda, of Apex NC., granddaughter, Anna Paige Derda, brother, James Karpinski, of Natrona Heights and sister, Amy (Russell) Allinson, of Longwood, Fl. In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Dennis C. Derda on March 6, 2013.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 12 noon until a time of a blessing service at 2:00 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. Burial will follow in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Karen may be made to Citizens Hose Fire-Rescue-EMS, www.citzenshose.com.