Karen Vajda

Published Date

Karen Joyce Vajda (Meme), 68, of Middletown, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, June 12, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Harrisburg on July 7, 1944 and was the daughter of the late George and Harriet Lontz Himes.

She was a member of Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Middletown, and she was retired from the Middletown School District where she worked in food service for many years. She was a 1962 graduate of John Harris High School, Harrisburg.  

She enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially keeping score when her children and grandchildren were playing various sports. Karen was very interested and knowledgeable in history. She also enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling, and her cats. Above all, her greatest joy was the love and compassion she received from her family and friends, especially that of her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Wenda Beers, and her brother David Himes.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years Steve A. Vajda of Middletown; daughter Leann T. Vajda of Highspire; son Stephen J., husband of Monica Vajda of Rutherford; daughter Jennifer M., wife of Todd Houser of Middletown; two brothers George Himes and Donald Himes; and five grandchildren Megin M. Houser, Todd (TJ) M. Houser Jr., Devin J. Vajda, Makenzie C. Vajda, and Erin M. Houser.

A Memorial Tribute to her life was held on Saturday at the Frank E. Matinchek and Daughter Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Middletown, with the Rev. Ted Keating officiating.

Inurnment was at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s memory to Grane Hospice, 105 Gamma Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 800 Corporate Circle, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Condolences may be sent online at www.matinchekanddaughterfuneralhome.com.