Obituary of Karen L. Borkowski

Karen L. Borkowski of Stanhope, NJ passed away on Friday, September 22, 2017 as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle in Long Branch, NJ.   She was 66 years old.  Karen was born on October 24, 1950 in New London, CT to the late Capt. Norman Ensrud, USCG (ret.) and the late Jackie (Griffin) Ensrud.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Edward Borkowski, her devoted daughter, Bekki (Ted) Schnetzer and her cherished grandsons, Andrew and Jacob Schnetzer.  Additional survivors include her sisters, Christine & Shauna Ensrud, her brother, David Ensrud, her niece, Michelle (Pete) Lam, her nephew, Stephen Ensrud (Kirsten Dilling) and her grandnephew, Ryan Ensrud, her mother-in-law, Ann Borkowski, her in-laws, John "Birdie" (Joni) Borkowski, Monica (Joe) Gatchie & Joseph "Bo" (Peggy) Borkowski and Kathie Taft who is a dear family friend.  Karen was a long term, full time caregiver for Kathie and always introduced her as her second daughter.  She was pre-deceased by her brother & sister-in-law; John & Ann Ensrud.

Karen always took care of everyone around her. She was a devoted grandmother who helped care for her two grandsons; taking them on and off the buses, taking them to therapies & after school activities.  She encouraged them to explore & learn during outings and she taught them to love living life.  She was a full time caregiver for her husband and Kathie.  She was always generous with her time and always shared her love.  She helped others realize their full potential in all she did.  Karen was a Eucharistic minister, Girl Scout leader, Red Cross instructor, swim instructor, a volunteer for “Family Promise” but most importantly, she enjoyed spending time and playing with her grandsons.

On Saturday, October 14, from 11am till 11:45, A Scripture Service will be held in the Sanctuary of Ledgewood Baptist Church, 233 Main St., Ledgewood, NJ   07852.   It will immediately be followed by a Memorial Service in the gym next door from noon to 3pm."All services were entrusted to the Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home of Landing, NJ. For memorial donations, please consider donations to the “Schnetzer Family Trust”, 20 Deer Run, Andover, NJ 07821 for her grandsons’ futures.