Karen A. (Szafraniec) Magnarelli's Obituary
Karen A. (Szafraniec) Magnarelli, 68, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully Thursday at Francis House surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Syracuse, daughter of the late Stanley and Ann (Leonardo) Szafraniec. Karen was a French Teacher with the Syracuse City School District for over 30 years.
Karen is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, William “Bill” Magnarelli; three children, Lisa Magnarelli of Clinton, NY, William B. (Leslie) Magnarelli, Jr. of Syracuse, and Ann (Benjamin) Alexander of Syracuse; four grandchildren, Olivia, Eloise, Nora, and Wesley; her sister, Maureen Szafraniec, (Richard) Meyers, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Karen enjoyed being with people and spending time with her family, friends and community. Early on, with her children in school, Karen was active in the Our Lady of Pompei Parent Teacher Organization, becoming its president. More recently, her love of animals brought her to the Onondaga County Zoo where she volunteered for years before her illness, giving tours and serving as a puppeteer, all the while providing entertainment for young children.
Her community involvement included her service as the Chair of Syracuse’s Fourth Ward Democratic Committee. She also served as a state delegate to the New York State Democratic Committee.
Next to her family, Karen’s love and passion were for painting and singing. She sang with the Syracuse Chorale, the Syracuse University Oratorio Society and the Syracuse Pops Chorus. During her summers, she joined friends to sing with the Berkshire Chorale.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Karen’s life at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, April 10, 2017 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Francis House, 108 Michael’s Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208, or Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088.
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