Karen Lee Sywulak, 82, of North Cape May, peacefully entered into eternal rest on the evening of Thursday, April 10th at her residence surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on October 16, 1942 in Philadelphia PA, Karen was the beloved daughter of the late Robert and Edyth (Walzer) Smith.

She and her husband Joseph met and fell in love when the two were teenagers. After eloping to Virgina at the young ages of 17 and 18, they married and began a journey of love that would span 65 years. Karen joined Joe at Camp Geiger, North Carolina and proudly became the wife of a Marine. They resided in Philadelphia until 2012 when they relocated full-time to Cape May County after her retirement as a payroll administrator. Karen enjoyed reading mysteries and watching her favorite crime shows on TV. She loved tackling cryptograms, playing shuffleboard at the VFW, and above all, spending sunny days on the beach with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jay Smith, and grandson Derek Sywulak.

Karen will be deeply missed by her surviving husband Joseph and twin sister Karole Peck; son Scott Sywulak (Edwina); daughter Stacey Dillon (Brian); and daughter Sharon Tate (Paul). Affectionately known as GiGi, she leaves behind a legacy of nine grandchildren: Jeffrey Sywulak, Matthew Sywulak (Katie), Taylor Tate, Sean Dillon, Chelsey Dillon, Greggory Sywulak, Dylan Tate, Connor Dillon and Devon Tate. She is also survived by two great granddaughters: Kya and Lianna Angely; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather beginning at 10:00 am, with a funeral service to be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 21, at Evoy Funeral Home 3218 Bayshore Road North Cape May NJ. Reverend Miles Barrett will officiate. Interment will be held on Thursday, April 24 at 11:30 am on the grounds of Resurrection Cemetery, 5201 Hulmeville Road Bensalem PA 19020.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Karen's memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a cause close to her heart.