Karen Lee Ritz Whetzel
Brownsville
Karen Lee Ritz Whetzel, 81, of Brownsville, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 9, 2025, in her lifelong hometown of Brownsville. Born July 3, 1944, to Peter and Mary Lee Ritz, Karen lived a vibrant life defined by her devotion to family, her career, and her creative passions, all while courageously battling cancer since her diagnosis in 2018.
Karen graduated from California Teachers College of Pennsylvania in 1968 and began her career as an educator, teaching for several years in Maryland and Pennsylvania. She later dedicated 30 years to Brownsville General Hospital, serving in the admissions department and business office until its closure in 2006. Karen continued working until her retirement in 2022 from the optometrist office of Dr. Margaret Swinker.
In her free time, Karen poured her heart into cooking, baking and quilting, creating cherished memories and handmade treasures for those she loved. Above all, she relished her role as “Sito” to her grandchildren, Taylor (Matthew) and Shane (Delaney); and her great- grandchildren, Easton, Maverick, and Stevie Jean. Her warmth, creativity, and unwavering love for her family, combined with her remarkable strength in facing cancer, inspired all who knew her.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Andrea Townsend Roebuck (Skooter); her son, David Townsend (Patty); her grandchildren; and her great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Mary Lee Ritz.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, October 12, in the SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park Street, Brownsville, where visitation continues Monday, October 13, until 10 a.m. when a funeral service will be held, with the Rev. Roger L. Diehl officiating. Interment will follow at LaFayette Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Magee-Womens Research Institute (mageewomens.org/support-us/donate) or a charity of choice, in remembrance of Karen.
Karen’s legacy of love, resilience, and creativity will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her courage and devotion. www.skirpanfuneralhome.com