Karen Marie Theresa Koczyla, 54, Beautician

She was born July 31, 1950 in Lorain and had been a Lorain County resident for her entire life.

Karen attended Saint Vincent de Paul Parish School in Elyria Township and later graduated from Clearview High School as a member of the Class of 1968. Upon completion of her high school education, she enrolled in the Elyria Academy of Cosmetology.

Mrs. Koczyla began her professional career as a beautician and stylist for Michael Angela’s Salon which was located at the Midway Mall shopping complex in Elyria. She moved on to serve as manager of Michael Angela’s Lorain facility which was located on 4th Street and ultimately founded her own salon entitled Creative Styles on Oberlin Avenue. She remained as the Entity’s proprietor until the time of her illness.

Regarded as her family’s matriarch and guardian angel, Mrs. Koczyla was well known for donating her time and talent in styling hair for senior citizens, shut-ins and women religious throughout greater Lorain. She was a gifted oil painter who received great joy in donating her works to relatives and friends.

A parishioner of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Elyria Township, her hobbies included shopping as well as vacationing in ocean and beach venues.

Karen is survived by her mother: Katherine Plato (nee Engel) of Sheffield Township, sisters: Jacqueline Thomas of Lorain and Joanne McMillen of Akron, along with nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Walter in 2000, and by her father: William “Jack” Plato in 1999.

Friends may call Thursday, October 7, 2004, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromodada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway, Lorain. Funeral services will be Friday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel and will be followed by the celebration of a funeral mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 41295 North Ridge Road, Elyria Township. The Reverend James Ols, pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

The family suggests memorial in her name to the American Cancer Society, Foundation on Breast Cancer Research, 43099 North Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035-1051.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.gluvna.net.