Karen Bridget Delfine, 73, of Hazleton, PA, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Manor at St. Luke’s Village.
Born July 3, 1952, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Karen was the daughter of the late Kenneth Appleton Delfine and Jane (née Wilson) Delfine.
Karen was a graduate of Freeland High School, Class of 1970, and went on to attend The Pennsylvania State University. She dedicated over thirty years of service as a Respiratory Therapist at Lehigh Valley Hospital—formerly Hazleton General Hospital—where she was known for her compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to patient care. Her courage was especially evident as she continued her work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She also worked at Hazleton St. Joseph’s Hospital prior to LVH.
Karen found great joy in gourmet cooking, golfing, and was a devoted animal lover throughout her life. Karen served as a union steward for AFCSME for many years during her career.
In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her longtime companion, Eileen McKay; her brother, Kenneth M. Delfine; her nephew, Zachary J. Richards; and her beloved Border Collie, Deuce.
She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Delfine; her loving siblings, James Delfine of Freeland, PA; Bridget Delfine of Center Ossipee, NH; and Daniel Delfine and his partner, Ashley Craigle, of Berwick, PA. She is also survived by her nieces, Alicia Delfine, Christy Laubach and her husband Scott, and Ashley Sullivan, Julia Lee Delfine , Jamie Delfine-Hiles and Husband Ryan; and her nephew, Justin Richards and his partner, Deanna Prochaska, and many grand nieces and nephews. Karen will also be deeply missed by her lifelong friends, Darlene Miller and Mary Bytsura, with whom she shared many of life’s cherished adventures.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m. at McNulty Funeral Home, 494 E. Butler Drive, Freeland, PA. Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hazleton Animal Shelter or the American Cancer Society.
