WARREN — Karen M. (Kobylarz) Parker of Warren, died Monday, August 19, 2019 at home.

Karen was born in Paterson, New Jersey and lived in Mahwah, New Jersey until the age of 22, when she moved with her family to Houlton, Maine. There she met her husband, the Rev. Richard G. Parker, whom she married in 1980.

The couple served several United Methodist Churches, and were blessed to have all their appointments on the coast in: Ellsworth/Franklin and Friendship/Cushing, Maine and in Rockport, Massachusetts.  She played a myriad of roles in those Churches: Church Secretary, Sunday School Superintendent, Fair Chairperson, Worship & Supper Committee member and Stained Glass Designer/Consultant. 

Karen received her BA in Art with a minor in Art History, and Certification to teach Art K-12, from the William Paterson College of New Jersey, graduating in 1975.

Her favorite jobs were always Art related:  Teaching, Printing, Graphic Design, Calligraphy, and Architectural Stained Glass Design.  She also created and sold her own art work over the years.

She was a volunteer Court Advocate for victims of domestic abuse in Newburyport, MA at the District Court.

She was the Genealogist for both the Polish and Italian sides of her large extended family and was proud of both nationalities.

Karen and Richard loved to travel and were thrilled to be able to visit Italy, Sicily, Malta, Greece and Turkey.

She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Richard Parker of Warren, RI; her sweet Stepdaughter Juli Parker and Son-in-Law Jeff Gonsalves of Swansea, MA; a brother, Peter Kobylarz and his wife Lisa of Houlton, Maine; a niece, Ashley Kobylarz of Bangor, Maine; a niece, Nichole Kobylarz Quint and a nephew, Justin Kobylarz both of Houlton, Maine; and numerous dear cousins.

She is predeceased by her parents, Marion (DeRose) and Albert Kobylarz and a brother Allen Kobylarz.

A Christian Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 11:00 am in the Barrington United Methodist Church, 230 Washington Road, Barrington.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.

Arrangements by the Smith Funeral and Memorial Services, Warren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hudner Oncology Center at Saint Anne’s Hospital, 795 Middle Street, Fall River, MA 02721.

See www.wjsmithfh.com