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Karen S. Dudek died Tuesday, Aug. 6, at her home in Commack, at age 63.
After 36 years as a nurse and later as director of nursing at the Nassau County Medical Center, she retired and worked for several hospital associations in New York City as director of nursing.
Dudek was predeceased by her parents, Regina B. Smith and Robert A. Smith, and her sister, Regina S. Muzyka.
She is survived by four children, Peter Robert, Carolyn, Kristin and Patrick, her former husband, Peter C. Dudek and brothers Robert J. Smith and Gregory J. Smith.
Dudek was born in Freeport and raised in Merrick. She graduated from Calhoun High School. Dudek was later awarded a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in health care administration from St. Joseph's College.
Karen gave of herself to those in need and was truly loved by those she comforted, both professionally and personally, said the obituary.
She loved to travel internationally and particularly loved spending time with her family and friends. She would light up any room she entered with her radiant smile and infectious laugh. She could speak without speaking with "that look" she had mastered-she was truly one of a kind, according to the obituary.
Reposing at Moloney's Hauppauge Funeral Home, 840 Wheeler Road Hauppauge, where a religious service will be held Friday, Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. Visiting is on Friday, Aug. 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
A funeral mass is on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's R.C. Church in Kings Park.
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