Dr. Karen L. Polkabla, age 67, of Donora, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 15, 2018, at her home.

She was born September 22, 1950 in New Eagle, PA the daughter of the late Anthony and Margaret Irene (Grabel) Polkabla.

She was a member of the Our Lady of the Valley Church.

Karen was the Superintendent of the Ringgold School District and a longtime member of the Donora Borough Council.

Karen was a loving and caring person devoted to her family, friends, students, faculty and her community.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her dear friend Michael "Mickey" Tominello.

Survivors include her sisters, Mary Ann (Kenneth) Spina of Kennedy Twp. and Lois (Robert) Dzik of Houston, TX; a brother, Michael A. Polkabla of Pittsburgh; two nieces, Beth (Andrew) Spina Stauffer of Ligonier and Nicole (Oliver) Dzik Luijer of TX; a nephew, Justin Dzik of TX; and two great nieces Anna Stauffer and Eva Luijer.

Arrangements are being handled by Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 40 Second Street Extension, Donora, PA 15033 (724) 379-6900 where the family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, February 19, 2018 and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, February 20, 2018. Prayers will be recited in the funeral home on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of the Valley Church at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Fr. Pierre Falkenhan as celebrant.

Interment will follow in St. Dominic Cemetery, Donora, PA.

To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com

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