Karen E. Hornbeck

Karen Elaine Hornbeck, 80, of Clarks Green, died peacefully in her sleep on March 27, 2026, after a prolonged illness. She was preceded in death by her partner, John Stevens Munch, who died May 23, 2022.

Born in Carbondale, daughter of the late George A. and Dorothy Mae Curtis Hornbeck, Jr., she was a graduate of Wyoming Seminary High School.  She earned her teaching degree from Florida Southern University.  After graduation, Karen worked as a special education teacher in the New Jersey School System, where she remained until her retirement.

Aunt Karen was mischievous and fun-loving.  She valued nothing more than enjoying food and drink with her family and friends, and riding her golf-cart in the fields of the Curtis Valley Homestead. Aunt Karen was passionate about antiques like her mother, cars like her father, and the Penn State Nittany Lions like her brother “Georgie.”  She enjoyed tap dancing in her younger years and country music throughout her life.  She liked trying new recipes with her long-time friend and care-giver Tina Fumanti.  Aunt Karen’s most recent favorite was the Dolly Parton Coconut Cake.  

Aunt Karen’s mission was to make people smile with games, riddles, or a good joke. She was young at heart but dearly valued the memories and people of the past. We know that as we grieve below, Aunt Karen is already making the angels above smile.

Karen is survived by two nieces: Lisa Prezelski and husband Paul, and their children: Taylor Prezelski Smith, Brady Prezelski and Cole Prezelsk; and Francesca Conroy, and her children Isabella Conroy and Nicolas Conroy; and several cousins.

She was also preceded in death by a brother: George A. Hornbeck, III.

A Celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a later date.  Private entombment was held at the Old Colonial Mausoleum, Union Dale.  Arrangements by the Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home, Inc. 55 Lincoln Avenue, Carbondale.  

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, Priest’s Discretionary Fund, P.O. Box 4, Carbondale, PA 18407; Christ Episcopal Church, 700 Delaware Street P.O. Box 118, Forest City, PA  18421; or, the Old Colonial Mausoleum, P.O. Box 232, Union Dale, PA 18407.
 

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