Mrs. Karen L. (Nocian) Nassar

Mrs. Karen L. (Nocian) Nassar, age 70, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in the comfort of her home with her family by her side. Born in Schenectady on June 8, 1942, Karen was the daughter of the late Harry and Sophie (Skrocki) Nocian. She pursued her undergraduate education at Utica College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and subsequently completed her post-graduate studies at Syracuse University where she was awarded a Master of Arts degree in English. On December 30, 1969 she married Dr. Eugene Paul Nassar with whom she shared nearly 43 years. During the 1960’s, Karen commenced her career as a 7th& 8th grade English teacher at John F. Hughes Elementary School. But it was Karen’s abiding passion of caring for seniors that yielded her the ensuing, gratifying position of Director of the North Utica Senior Center that she held for several years. Preeminent among all of Karen’s life work was her mission of providing maternal guidance, love, and support for her children of whom she was so proud. During her spare time, she loved to tend her vegetable and floral gardens. Karen was deeply spiritual and very dedicated to her parish, Historic Old St. John’s Church, where she enjoyed teaching religious education classes and was a member of the non-survivors group. Karen is survived by her husband, Gene; her daughters, Anne Nassar of Utica, and Laura Nassar of Tacoma, WA; her son, Paul Nassar of Utica; and her adored and cherished granddaughters, Miriam, and Samantha. Also left to mourn Karen’s passing is her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Leonard Malewicz of Burnt Hills, NY; two aunts, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her sister-in-law, Angela Nassar and her children. She was also blessed with many wonderful friendships formed throughout her life. She was predeceased by her sister, Vivian. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations made be made to the Historic Old St. John’s Memorial Fund; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Karen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 11:30 from the funeral home and at 12:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler.

Mrs. Karen L. (Nocian) Nassar

June 8, 1942 - December 19, 2012