A beautiful obituary was published by the Heritage Funeral Home, Weddington/Matthews, 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Matthews, NC 28104. It can be viewed at;
https://www.heritagecares.com/obituaries/karen-horvath-2/#!/Obituary
Obituary for Karen Lynn Horvath
Karen Lynn Horvath, 69, of Wesley Chapel, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply and selflessly throughout her life.
Born on July 6, 1955, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, Karen was the daughter of the late Gerard and Gertrude Crean. She graduated from Sayville High School in 1973 and, shortly after, began a lifelong journey with the love of her life, Brad Horvath. Married on September 14, 1974, Karen and Brad shared 50 beautiful years of marriage marked by unwavering devotion, quiet strength, and the joy of raising a large, close-knit family.
Most of Karen’s life was spent on Long Island, New York, where she dedicated herself completely to the role she cherished most—that of a mother. As a full-time homemaker, she poured her heart into creating a home filled with warmth, stability, and love. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and her entire life was a living example of selflessness, patience, and grace. She gave endlessly of herself, never asking for anything in return, and found her greatest happiness in the well-being and closeness of her family.
She treasured life’s simple and meaningful moments—gardening, sewing thoughtful gifts, lovingly decorating for the holidays, and creating traditions her family will carry forward with love. Summers at the family’s beach house were among her favorite times, filled with laughter, togetherness, and unforgettable memories.
Karen’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and one she shared not only with her family, but with her wider community. While living on Long Island, she was a devoted member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church, where she also served as a Eucharistic Minister and worked part-time as a housekeeper at the rectory—always giving of herself in quiet service. Additionally, she served for many years as a religious education teacher and Pre-Cana instructor, helping to prepare couples for the sacrament of marriage. After moving to North Carolina, she became a committed and active parishioner at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ballantyne. Her steady and sincere faith was a guiding light to those around her and a constant presence in her home.
In her mid-fifties, Karen was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease—a heartbreaking challenge that she faced with courage, grace, and dignity. For over 15 years, her devoted husband Brad cared for her with extraordinary love and tenderness. His steadfast commitment during those years was a powerful reflection of the vows they shared and the deep bond they built together across a lifetime
Karen is survived by her loving husband, Brad Horvath, and their children: Cindy (Rob) Hoover, Bonnie Brewer, Sharon (Joe) Iannetto, Kristi (Kellen) Wilkerson, and Dave (Sarah) Horvath. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Denise Horvath, with whom she is now reunited in eternal peace. She was the heart and soul of a family that includes 16 cherished grandchildren: Kayla, Jake, Cole, Justin, Reagan, Ryan, Noelle, Evan, Lydia, Dylan, Marlowe, Alexa, Caleb, Emma, Ella, and Evie.
Karen is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: Mother Therese, Donna Crean, Debbie Smith, Judy (Paul) Heffernan, Gerry (Colette) Crean, and Mark (Denise) Crean, as well as her sweet dogs, Freckles and Amber, who brought her comfort and companionship in her later years
Visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home, 3700 Forest Lawn Dr, Matthews, NC 28104, on:
• Tuesday, May 20 from 6:00–8:00 PM
• Wednesday, May 21 from 2:00–4:00 PM and again from 6:00–8:00 PMA Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 22 at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277.
Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, located across the street from the funeral home.
In addition to flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Karen’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, in hopes of one day finding a cure for this devastating disease.
Karen’s life was one of sacrifice, profound love, and deep faith. She gave all of herself so that those around her could thrive, and her legacy will live on in every life she touched. She was, and will always be, the heart of her family.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Karen Lynn Horvath please visit our Sympathy Store.
Some thoughts from your Sayville Alumni Association;
From the halls of Sayville High School to a lifetime of shared dreams, theirs was a love that felt destined.
Sayville High school sweethearts who built a life together, Karen and Brad embodied the kind of love people write songs about—full of laughter, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to one another. But when early-onset Alzheimer’s disease entered their lives, their love faced a challenge no one should ever have to endure.
Alzheimer’s is a thief—it steals memories, moments, and the very essence of a person.
Yet, in the face of such devastation, Brad stood by Karen’s side with a love that refused to waver. He became her protector, her anchor, and the keeper of their shared history when the disease tried to erase it.
Through every difficult day, his devotion shone as a beacon of what true love really means: not just holding hands in the sunshine, but holding hearts through the storm.
The Sayville Alumni Association will pay tribute to Karen annually on her birthday. It is our hope that honoring Karen on her birthday day will bring comfort to her loved ones, friends, teachers and classmates who held her dear.
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