Karen Ekelund

Karen Ann Ekelund of Erie, PA born December 20, 1944, passed away early Sunday, February 16, 2025. Karen was the daughter of Agnes and Eric Ekelund.

Asked to reflect on her life Karen might say:
"Where did we meet? Was it growing up on Wagner Avenue or Sundays at St. James during the 1940s and 50s? Or did we meet at Academy in the Class of '64?
Maybe it was while in Germany in the late 60s with my St. Bernard 'Bismark'.
Didn't St. Bernard himself seek to comfort the lost like I did, together living our faith, dropping whatever occupied the moment to help whomsoever asked for you?
Did I hold your newborn in my arms at St. Vincent Hospital in the 70s and 80s?
Could it be we crossed paths in 90s and 2000's in the Central High School Library?
Or perhaps when life finally slowed, we met on windy walks near my waterfall house in the woods or shyly waved from across the dusty shade kicked up along the country lanes to my home where beloved grandkids and grand-dogs helped me push through no shortage of hard times together. And lastly, did we catch a glimpse of each other, snatch a surprise Irish wink or a flicker of my Swedish pluck whenever a 'See ya' later Alligator!' was warranted? If that was you, the happy few who knew me then please accept a well-worn hand in love and gratitude for any tenderness we exchanged. After while crocodile! It was worth it, every bit."

Karen is survived by her three children: Melissa Paszkowski, Carley Harter and Derrick Christie; sons-in-law: Ryan Paszkowski and Bill Harter; daughter-in-law, Nadia Christie; sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Ekelund and Cheryl Frazier Adams; cousins: Jimmy, Linda and Gary Mazzu. Karen is further survived by her beloved grandchildren: Kenny Harter, Caycee and Cooper Paszkowski; and her cantankerous grand-dogs: Dusty and Maple.
In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her brother, David Ekelund; and first-born son, Brian Christie.

Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral & Cremation Services Harborcreek, 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd.) on Thursday, February 20th, from 3 to 7 PM, with a time of sharing at 6:30 PM. and are further invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. James RC Church on Friday at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.