Karen Ann Zablocki

Karen Ann Zablocki, 59, passed away tragically on October 23, 2019 after being struck by a motor vehicle. She was born in Afton, NY to Ron and Irene Zablocki. The beautiful countryside of Afton likely fueled a love for nature she would carry her entire life. She studied conservation at the Community College of the Finger Lakes and later moved west to fight wildfires in California with the U. S. Forest Service. In 1988 Karen came back to the East Coast and settled in Norfolk, VA where she would raise her beloved daughters. Always extremely generous with her time, she volunteered with many organizations in the Tidewater area. Karen volunteered as a Lay Eucharist Minister at Blessed Sacrament Church but she was especially proud of her work as a Girl Scout leader. She loved the Scouts in her Troop like family and she was thrilled with the exceptional women they all grew to be. Karen was preceded in death by her younger brother, Michael Zablocki . Left to cherish her memory are her parents, Ron and Irene Zablocki; her younger sister, Theresa Zablocki; two daughters, Mary and Laura Richards; and a loving rescue dog named Abbey. Karen chose to become an organ donor and will continue to enrich many lives through the gift of donation. The family has been comforted by an overwhelming amount of community support during this very difficult time. Calling hours will be on November 2nd from 9 - 11am at Blessed Sacrament Church in Norfolk. A funeral Mass will be at 11am and it will be followed by a reception in the church social hall at 12:15. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Heifer International Project 1 World Ave. Little Rock, Arkansas 72202or to the World Wildlife Fund 1250 Twenty-Fourth Street N.W. P.O. Box 97180 Washington, DC 20090-7180. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com ========================== Source: https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/norfolk/norfolk-woman-hit-by-vehicle-donates-organs-to-save-seven-lives/ NoORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The woman hit by an SUV in Norfolk Monday night has died from her injuries. 59-year-old Karen Zablocki was crossing West Little Creek Road at the intersection of Newport Avenue at the crosswalk around 7 p.m. when she was struck. 10 On Your Side spoke to her family members, who said she donated her organs. A final gift fitting for the woman who was always helping others. In the words of her sister, Terry Zablocki, there was no moss under Karen's feet. The energetic, outdoorsy mother of two was always hiking, biking, traveling or baking. "She took care of all the old ladies in the neighborhood… mowing their yard, trimming their bushes; she didn't get paid for it, it was just the right thing to do," Terry told WAVY.com. Karen had a degree in conservation. "She'd teach people about the birds, and literally the bees, because when we would be beekeeping people would be fascinated with bees," Terry said. Ten years ago, WAVY News 10 had the pleasure of interviewing Karen before the 'Pink the Rink' breast cancer awareness event at the Admiral's hockey game. Karen worked for Susan G. Komen then. "That's just how she is. It's always about other people," Terry said. Terry was with Karen Monday night walking their dogs, when an SUV driven by a 16-year-old girl turned the corner and hit Karen. "I'm angry at what happened because it shouldn't have, where we were, and it should not have happened," Terry said. Terry wishes she could turn back time. Instead, she watched Thursday afternoon as a flag was raised in front of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in honor of Karen's organ donation. "That's my soul right there; she's my best friend, not just a sister but she's truly my best friend." Karen's gift will save seven lives. Terry hopes the recipients will live with her sister's zest as Karen rests in peace scattered in the Shenandoah mountains she loved. The Zablocki sisters had talked at length about both of their wishes to be organ donors. So when this difficult situation happened they already knew what Karen wanted. If you'd like more information on organ donation or how to talk about it with family, visit LifeNet. Meantime, there is no new information about possible charges against the driver involved in the accident. Neither alcohol or speed were factors in the crash, police said. Once their investigation is complete, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office will review the case. ================================