Karen Follis-Mraz
July 30, 1962 - October 26, 2023
Karen Follis-Mraz passed away suddenly on October 26, 2023, in Kentucky; she was 61.
Born in Rochester, NY, she was a resident of Holland, PA, for most of her life. Karen recently worked for a real estate development company; owned her own ice cream and floral businesses; and prior to that, was employed in telecommunications at AT&T. She graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, with a fashion design major. Everyone will miss Karen's creative and adventurous spirit. She was an accomplished artist who loved nature, an exceptional athlete, and a culinary wizard. She enjoyed camping at drag car races, celebrating with friends and family, and traveling, especially to her second home - Montana.
She is survived by her two sons, Joseph Follis, Jr., and Morgan Mraz; Joe's wife, Gabriella (Moyer) Follis; and her cherished granddaughter, Peach Follis. She is also survived by her mother, Carol (Vandegrift) Carlson, and her step-father, Robert Carlson; two brothers, Fritz Krach and Greg Krach; her sister, Persephone Vandegrift; Fritz's wife, Anne; Greg's wife, Nga (Nguyen); and several beloved nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Karen's beautiful life at the Wade Funeral Home, 1002 Radcliffe Street, Bristol Borough, PA on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until noon. A time to share fond memories will begin at noon. Please come dressed in your best floral attire.
Service Details
Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 11, 2023
10:00AM-12:00PM
Wade Funeral Home
1002 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
Sharing of Memories
Saturday, November 11, 2023
12:00PM
Wade Funeral Home
1002 Radcliffe St, Bristol, PA 19007
In Memory of
Karen Follis-Mraz
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Cheryl Carroll shared a photo and condolence
I will always treasure the wonderful times spent with Karen! She was always thinking of others and always lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it She was a hard worker and a wonderful mother and grandmother. She will be missed but I know she’s where she has no more worries or pain! I will never forget our friendship together Rest easy Karen love you
11/6/2023
Robert Follis shared a condolence
I remember Karen being a good wife to my brother, a good sister to her siblings, and a great mom to her kids . She was a funny, caring person who will be missed.
11/9/2023
Natalia Levin shared a photo
11/10/23
Natalia Levin shared a photo
11/10/2023
Desirae Lindsay shared a condolence
Karen was truly a one of a kind friend. She was the person you could always turn to for love, support, advice. She loved and saw the good in everyone even though she had been through heartache herself. She was a selfless, caring, humble, honest friend. Karen took my daughter in and loved her as her own. She taught me so much. Her vibes were so positive and uplifting, she showed this through art.. Her denim jacket paintings had so much meaning and love behind them. I know she loved her kids and granddaughter Peach so very much. She talked about the new grand baby on the way and how she loved being a grandma. I wish I could attend this service, but I am in Montana. I will be thinking of Karen’s loved ones and missing her dearly tomorrow and forever…. Rest in paradise my dear friend. ❤️
11/9/2023
Cheryl Carroll shared a photo
11/6/2023
Natalia Levin shared a photo
11/10/2023
Natalia Levin shared a photo
11/10/2023
Natalia Levin shared a photo
11/10/2023
Alison Carlson shared a condolence
Unimaginable, unfathomable loss. It has always been clear to me what a positive force Karen has been among her family, friends and colleagues. My father adored Karen as a loving stepdaughter - something I feel grateful for. She brightened up his life for sure. I would love to celebrate her life with you all, but sadly will not make it cross the country on the 11th. But I hope to watch on a FaceTime or zoom. And I will honor Karen with Carol and Dad when I am with them a week later. The tribute to Karen is lovely, just like she was, and remains in spirit. My condolences.
11/6/2023
Carol Cannon shared a condolence
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter, sister, friend Karen Follis-Mraz. I truly wish that I had met her and send this reflection since I cannot be at Karen's memorial. Death Is Nothing At All was read at a dear young cousin's memorial 30 years ago and I have cherished the message ever since.
Death Is Nothing At All
Henry Scott-Holland By Henry Scott-Holland More Henry Scott-Holland
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
Love and solace for you all, Carol Cannon
11/10/2023