Karen Lynne (Schnitz) Juszak

Karen Lynne (Schnitz) Juszak, 75 of Hardeeville, SC, passed away unexpectedly at her home on August 21, 2024. Karen was born December 31, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Hyman and Lois (Taub) Schnitz. The youngest of three girls, she grew up with seemingly perfect grades and numerous school accolades before attending the University of Illinois where she studied elementary education. It is there that she met the love of her life. Karen married Jerry James Juszak on September 4, 1971.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Toby and Eileen.  She is survived by her husband, Jerry; her two sons, Brian (Kaija) and Marc (Lisa); her daughter, Lauren (John); and her six grandchildren Braylon, Lilla, Josie, Caden, Jack, and Robert. She was also especially close to her niece, Jennifer Covin.

There is nothing that brought Karen more joy than her family. She was involved in all aspects of her kids’ lives.  There was never a school party she couldn’t plan, a teacher meeting she wouldn’t attend, an extra-curricular event she wasn’t early to, or a game she wouldn’t brave in the elements (sometimes with a cow bell). She put a special touch on all holidays, supported the hundreds of activities her kids did with a smile, and relished her time as a mom and wife. She wouldn’t let you fall short of your potential and was so selfless in helping others reach goals.

Her grandkids will have fond memories of Grandma singing to them before bed, giving the best hugs and kisses (leaving lipstick on their faces), having quite possibly the worst mini-golf putting stroke, sending presents at least a month before their birthday, and always being so happy to see them.

Although gone too soon, the word her family has used most in the days after her death is “grateful.” She has left a beautiful legacy. There will not be a public service, but the family appreciates all whom attributed to her happy life.