Karen Kwiatkowski

Karen Louise Kwiatkowski, age 81, of Girard, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Fairview Manor.

She was born on November 26, 1938 in Olean, NY, a daughter of the late Walter and Thelma Follick Barton.

She attended Olean High School and enjoyed playing softball.

Karen was employed at Girard School District as a teacher’s aide for26 years until her retirement in 2004. 

She was a member of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Girard.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Eugene E. Kwiatkowski and sister, Emily Chandler.

Karen is survived; three sons:  Anthony, Matthew, and Paul, all of Girard; two grand-daughters Victoria and Sophia also of New York City, NY.  She is further survived by three brothers:  Walter Barton of Zephyrhills, FL, Gary Barton of Goldsboro, NC, and Tim Barton of Leland, NC; a sister, Ann Henderson of NY and daughter in law, Goretti of New York City;  as well as many nieces and nephews.

Due to current pandemic restrictions, a public memorial mass will be celebrated at a later date this year with urn burial at St. John Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main St. East, Girard.

Don’t grieve for me now I’m free. I’m following the path God has laid for me.  I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all.  I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work or play.  Tasks left undone must stay that way.  I found that peace at the close of day.  If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy, a friendship shared, a kiss, a laugh.  Oh yes these things I too shall miss.  Be not burdened with times of sorrow, my life has been full.  I’ve savored much, family, good friends, good times, a loved ones touch, perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.  God wanted me now and has set me free.  Karen has gone on to explore Heaven.  She will be stopping at the Rainbow Bridge to get all her pets before she moves on.

No hours of visitation will be observed, use this time you would have spent at the funeral home to visit someone you haven’t seen in awhile.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhomes.com.