Karen Kleingardner

Karen S. Kleingardner of Livingston Manor, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Garnet Health Medical center in Middletown, NY.  She was 67.

The daughter of the late Lester and Betty LeRoy-Thomas, she was born January 13, 1956 in Liberty, NY.  

Though Karen was a private and quiet person, she was also very witty and fun! She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. She was strong-willed and stubborn but those traits defined her and were a part of who she was, and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life’s challenges.

Karen thoroughly enjoyed caring for others especially her grandchildren and her beloved dog, Lucille Lewis.  She was well known for her cooking skills and her love of cooking. The large family gatherings she prepared will be fondly remembered.  

Survivors include two sons, Lewis W. Kleingardner, Jr. and his wife Linda of Summitville, NY and Jeffrey Kleingardner and his wife Melissa of Livingston Manor, NY; two daughters, Laura Kleingardner of Livingston Manor, NY and Holly Rau and her husband Alex of Parksville, NY; sisters, Penny Santiago and her husband Ely of Woodbourne, NY, Betty Cunningham of WI, Carol Newman and her husband Barry of Grahamsville, NY, Jenny Marshall of Livingston Manor, NY, Brenda Santiago and her husband Miguel of Liberty, NY, Tammy Thomas and her companion Paul of Monticello, NY; and one brother, Nelson Thomas and his wife Rita of Livingston Manor, NY; her grandchildren, Levi Kleingardner, Aryanna Staudt, David Staudt, Michael Stickle, Jaimie Sklar, Casie & Courtney Kleingardner.  Great grandchildren; Oaklynn Staudt, Alanna & Rhylie Lorino, Emmett Kleingardner, Kaylin & Lucas Sklar, Wyatt Stickle, and Aria Ayscue; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband Lewis Kleingardner Sr. of 50 years in 2018 and her granddaughter, Madeline Grace Kleingardner in 2014, four brothers and four sisters. 

Visitation will be Friday, December 29, 2023 from 10AM to 12 Noon in the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY.  Funeral services will begin at 12 Noon.  Pastor Ralph Bressler will officiate.  Dignified cremation provided by Harris Crematorium, LLC.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com