Karen McDonald (Kanoza), 62, left this Earth on June 26th, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Chicago, moving to Florida in 1973. Karen met Richard in 1988, and they were married 2 years later on April 28th, 1990.
Karen’s life was a lesson in grace and courage, a reminder of what it means to love and to live selflessly. She led her life on the basis of giving to others. Karen had a rare gift for making others feel seen, valued, and cherished. There isn’t a friend, family member, customer or acquaintance that hasn’t been touched by the pure goodness in Karen’s heart. Many dogs were also blessed to have been taken in over the years and raised by Karen. While working tirelessly for Winn Dixie for over 30 years, Karen still made time to be with friends and family at social gatherings and celebrations or by reaching out via a phone call to check on how someone was feeling or to wish them a long-distance Happy Birthday. She often offered her own home for celebrations, resulting in cherished memories for so many. Pool parties, pasta salad and scachatta will forever be symbols that bring back visions of Karen’s smile and laughter, accompanied by country music in the background. Karen had a love of gardening and took great joy in being outdoors, pulling weeds and planting vegetables. She loved lilies and when she was no longer able to spend time in her garden, she had her fence painted with lilies and butterflies so she could view them from her kitchen window.
Karen is survived by her husband, Richard McDonald, sister Julie Swain (Rick), brother Tommy Kanoza (Emily), two nieces Jennifer Carfi (John) and Christine Swain, 3 nephews Brandon McDonald, Ronald Kanoza, and Benjamin Kanoza and several great nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Ronald C. Kanoza, brother, Michael Kanoza, and her beloved Mother, Audrey (Roskos) Kanoza, who was able to live out the last years of her life residing with Karen and son-in-law, Richard.
Karen’s legacy of love, kindness, and loyalty will continue to inspire the many lives she touched. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
4 Comments
Norma King
Jenn, your aunt sounds like a remarkable woman who obviously impacted the lives of many. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family. She will be missed.
Norma
Julie Swain
Karen I’ve missed you since the last hand squeeze. I know you were in pain and it was time for you to have some peace in your life. You have had a lot of health problems and always battles through them. I just want to tell you again how proud I am of you. I am not mad at you for leaving us. Like I told you look for Dad,Mom and Mike and be happy. I will always miss you. 62 years of being together is something I will never forget the good and bad. Love and miss you.
Maureen Drost
Dear boss Karen,
I will miss you forever❤️🌷❤️🌷. Boss ever I’ve ever known! Thank you for everything that you’ve been inspiring me so much. I love you dearly. Now you’re with your mmah. Rest well bossy. 😭😭😭
Love and Kisses
Maureen and Family
Julie Swain
Ok Karen, I got you back home and put you where you belong.I sure do miss our phone calls. I have a lot to talk about but no one to listen to me. Love and miss you so much 💗