Obituary of Karen Ann Walrath (Crockford)

December 6, 1940 – January 11, 2023

Karen Walrath (nee Crockford), of Rochester, NY & Spring Hill, FL

Karen, passed away unexpectedly on January 11th, 2023, at the age of 82, after a brief illness at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

Karen was born in Rochester, NY, and moved to Newark as a child where she attended Newark High School before heading off to SUNY Albany to earn her Bachelors, followed by her Masters at Wesleyan University and a second at Syracuse University, both in Education.  Throughout her career in education, culminating with her leadership role as Vice Principal at Eastridge High School, Karen inspired many colleagues and students.

Always with a heart for service, Karen was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, NY.  Karen was always quick to help others through her volunteer efforts. Karen was instrumental in establishing a holiday program in Timber Pines (Spring Hill, FL) that included fundraising, purchasing and wrapping gifts to benefit local children at the holidays.  She was a reliable and constant volunteer, notably at the gift store at the Rochester Episcopal Church Home and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (Spring Hill, FL). Karen also enjoyed volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House sale for many years.

She was predeceased by her parents, Herbert & Dorothy Crockford; brother, Richard Crockford in 2020; and nephew, Navy Petty Officer Jim Crockford in 1991. She is survived by 2 brothers, Jim Crockford of Rochester, NY & Ed (Diane Lombardo) Crockford of Greece, NY; sister-in-law, Jaci Crockford of Spring Hill, FL; nephews, Todd (April Burchett) Crockford of Sodus, NY and Chad Crockford of Charlotte, NC; niece, Colby (Brad) DeVelder of Newark, NY; several extended relatives and a large contingent of very special, lifelong friends. 

Florida friends and family are invited to the Manor Pines Village Pool, 2616 Blue Ridge Circle, Spring Hill, FL starting at 2:00pm, Thursday February 23, 2023 for a time of "Reflection and Refreshments" to celebrate Karen's life. A memorial mass and celebration for her Rochester, NY friends and family will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Rd, Rochester, NY 14607 on April 26, 2023 followed by a time of "Reflection & Refreshments" at Joey B’s at Brickstone,1325 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14620.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Karen’s memory to the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34606; or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 24 Westminster Rd., Rochester, NY.  Condolences may be expressed at www.HSNORTON.com. Arrangements entrusted to Norton Funeral Home, 45 W. Main St., Sodus, NY 14551.