GENEVA- Karen Marie Ditzell, 65, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 23, 2024, with her daughter and close friend by her side. A celebration of her life will be announced in June. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Glenwood Cemetery.

Karen was born on April 16, 1958, in Geneva and was a daughter of the late John Norman and Helen Lorraine (Frantz) Waddell. She worked as a teacher assistant in the Waterloo School District before retiring in June 2023. She was proud of her career and was known for connecting with students who needed someone on their side. Karen enjoyed reading, playing cards, especially "Pennies from Heaven," holiday parties, shopping, spending time with her family and friends, and going to the beach. She took many trips to Cape Cod throughout the years creating memories with her children, her friends who she affectionately called her "Cape Cod Girls," and, in more recent years, her beautiful beach baby grandson, Cashton. Her greatest joy was spending time with Cash, the light of her life, who she waited for her whole life. Some of her favorite moments with him were at bedtime when she and Cashton would have "Songs with Gigi" and she would introduce him to songs of all genres and decades. Karen was a supportive, loving and proud mother to her children, Melinda and Matthew, and was happiest when they were all together. She was known for puttering, organizing, and completing projects around the house. She had a strong character and was very persistent right until the end. She was witty, sarcastic, the "Queen of Hyperbole," and fiercely loyal to those she loved. Karen was a very devoted friend. Her strength will continue to always inspire others.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Melinda Jean Ditzell of Geneva; son, Matthew Evan Ditzell of Rochester; brother, Donald (Doris) Waddell of North Charleston, SC; grandson, Cashton Ditzell; niece, Misty (Thomas) Neilson of Charleston, SC; great-niece and great-nephews, Blake, Jolie and Luke; several cousins from Del Rio, Texas; and many friends who she deeply cared about and who cared for her, including her best friend, Barbara "Barbiecakes" Christopher of Waterloo.

In addition to her parents, Karen was predeceased by her sister Linda Jean Waddell and her nephew Stephen Kepner.