Karen Denise Flaitz

Karen Denise Flaitz (Schaeffer), born on April 5, 1947, at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Long Beach, California, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, in DeLand, Florida. Karen’s remarkable life was a testament to her love for family, her unwavering dedication, and her vibrant spirit.

Karen was a proud graduate of Westminster High School, Class of 1965. Her greatest joy came from raising her children and being deeply involved in their lives. She later worked as a pharmacy technician at the Medicine Shoppe in DeLand before achieving her Associate of Science degree from Florida Technical College in July of 2004, an accomplishment that reflected her determination and thirst for knowledge.

Karen had a special passion for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. An avid reader, she especially loved mystery novels. Karen also had a deep love for animals, adopting numerous strays over the years, and could often be found at her dining room table working diligently on puzzles. These simple joys exemplified the warmth and compassion she brought to those around her.

Karen leaves behind a loving family, including her devoted spouse, Mark Flaitz; her children, Sue Robinson, Mary Scott, Darlene Uhler-Batiste, and Michael Uhler; and her siblings, Candi Pitman, Sharon Smith, and Cheryl DeCrenza. She was a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren and a cherished great-grandmother to 14 great-grandchildren. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Patricia and Arla Fox, Martin Schaeffer, and Josephine Baker; her beloved daughter, Patricia Stallworth; and her grandson, Zachary Tyler.

A quote that perfectly encapsulates her resilient and hopeful spirit is from Nelson Mandela where he said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.”

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Lankford Funeral Home, 220 E. New York Ave., DeLand, FL 32724. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a lunch reception at Cook's Buffet in the Carriage House room, located at 704 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32720.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Southeast Volusia Humane Society in honor of Karen’s love for animals. Karen’s legacy of kindness, perseverance, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.