Karen Glanz Shirley, beloved wife of Robert, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Dec. 29 after an 18-month struggle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on Sept. 2, 1943, to John and Emma Shutyak in Youngstown Ohio, and was a resident of Kingsland for the past 17 years.
She leaves behind her devoted husband of 38 years, Robert; three children, Kristine Glanz Needham of Fairfax Station, Virginia, Jonathan Glanz of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jason Glanz of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; a step-daughter, Keri Shirley of Valencia, Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Samantha, Nicholas and Emma; and a sister, Sandra Shutak of Jacksonville, Florida. Karen was pre-deceased by her first husband, James Glanz, and her mother and father.
She was an active member of King of Peace Episcopal Church in Kingsland, where she participated in bake sales, bazaars and sending meals to the sick. Karen was an avid Photoshopper and scrapbooker, and a talented interior decorator. She greatly enjoyed attending dinner theater performances and the occasional Caribbean cruise. While residing near Philadelphia, she founded and operated a travel agency for several years and attended Temple University. She doted on and spoiled her grandchildren, children and husband.
A Celebration of Life Service, officiated by Fr. John Rogers and Fr. Aaron Brewer, will be held at at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at King of Peace Episcopal Church in Kingsland.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1260 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525.
The world will be a little duller without her bright smile and giving heart.
Arrangements by Green Pine Funeral Home, Cremations & Cemetery, Yulee, Florida.