Karen Yvonne Dermanuel Stazer

Karen Yvonne Dermanuel Stazer, 74, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 14, 2025. Born on July 25, 1951, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Karen was the daughter of Orland Dermanuel and Maxine Dembinski. She was adopted and raised by her aunt Sybil Dermanuel Narbut and her husband John Narbut in a loving home. She attended Villa Maria Academy before earning a degree in Social Work from Gannon University. Following college, she served in the Air Force, demonstrating her lifelong dedication to helping others. Karen's compassion and bravery were evident throughout her life. In 1977, she played a heroic role in rescuing victims of the devastating Johnstown flood in Pennsylvania. She personally helped dig people out of a massive mudslide, saving many lives with her selfless actions. A gifted musician with an ethereal singing voice, Karen shared her love of music through performances in Erie and New Port Richey, Florida. Specializing in folk and country music, she brought joy to many with her heartfelt melodies. While living in Florida during the early 1980s, she worked as a social worker before returning to Erie. There, she built a career as a medical transcriptionist at Erie Insurance and Hamot Medical Center until her retirement. Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Jeffrey Stazer; her brother John Zeigler; and her beloved sister Roberta Anne Palmer. She is survived by her sons Jeffrey Charles and Jonathan Stazer; grandson Benjamin Stazer; brother Michael Dembinski; sister Janet Johnson; niece Kari Galvin; and cousins Gary Narbut, Solitaire Miles, Cynthia Lees, Dawn Dermanuel, and Patricia Baumann. 

Arrangements are under the care of Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Inc, Downtown, 602 W. 10th St. Erie. Those wishing to honor Karen's memory may make donations to the Anna Shelter in Erie, Pennsylvania. Her kindness, courage, and musical spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.