Karen E. Samluk, age 58, of Newark, DE passed away in the comfort of her home on Thursday, August 17, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her family and friends.

Karen was born in Wilmington, the daughter of the late Barbara and Charles Samluk. She was a 1977 graduate of Newark High School and of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, FL. Karen was an avid softball player in school, pitching for her team where she earned the nickname ‘Sammy’ that has stuck with her these many years. She loved to travel and have new adventures packing the living room for weeks before her trips. She also enjoyed working in the yard around her family home and playing with Chaos. She will be forever loved and remembered in our hearts for her quiet, yet sharp sense of humor; caring for family and friends and always opening her door to whomever needed a helping hand. Karen was the heart and soul of our family and will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Although Karen didn’t fly commercially, she was a pilot in the lives she touched. She made sure all our take offs and landings were safe. When our lives were turbulent, she guided us back safely, extra baggage and all at no extra charge. She helped so many of us navigate our way through life, yet keeping the stability we all needed and desired.

Karen kept us all safe and secure, as any pilot would do, until we were ready to venture off again. It’s your turn to fly; You’ve earned your wings! Watch over us now as you’ve always done before.

She is survived by her sister Susan Samluk of Newark, DE; her brothers, Stephen of Wilmington, DE and Jeffrey of Largo, FL; her nieces and nephews, Mark, Jacquelyn, Shelby, Dylan, Zachary and Austin; and her Aunt, Anne Kendel and her husband, Richard of Amelia Island, FL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Angels Church on Friday, August 25, 2017 on Possum Park Road in Newark at 11:00 am, where visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Delaware Human Society at 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

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