Karen (Hopkins) Rybarczyk

Karen (Hopkins) Rybarczyk, 69, of the Town of Niagara, passed from this life on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.  Born on May 12, 1948 in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of Stella (Golba) Hopkins and the late Norris Hopkins.

Karen was a lifelong area resident and a graduate of Niagara Falls High School.  On August 31, 1968, she married James “Jim” Rybarczyk.  After raising her family, Karen worked as a teachers aide for Niagara Wheatfield schools for over 30 years. Her last position was working in the West Street Elementary School library, until she retired, due to her illness, on December 31, 2017.  Karen was a communicant of St. John de LaSalle Church. She had very close relationships with  all her grandchildren.  In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, traveling, baking, family get-togethers and annual vacations to Disney World.  Above all, she loved her family and cared deeply for each teacher, staff member and student at West Street. 

In addition to her mother and beloved husband of over 49 years, Karen is survived by her daughters, Robin (Peter) McKellar and Amy (Shawn) Larrabee; grandchildren, Christian, Matthew, Sabrina, Dominic, Easton and Kenzi; a brother, Curtis (Cordelia) Hopkins; a sister, Noreen (Ricky) Shank and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her father, Karen was predeceased by her sister, Nancy Hopkins.

Visitation will be on Friday from 1-3 and 5-8 p.m. in the Chapel of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY.  Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 5th at 10:00 a.m. which will be celebrated in St. John de LaSalle Church on Buffalo Avenue.  EVERYONE ASSEMBLE AT THE CHURCH.  Interment will follow in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Michael R. Goodlander of Otto Redanz Funeral Home.  Please visit www.goodlandercares.com for online condolences. 

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