Obituaries
Karen J. Heslink, 73
Karen J. (DeBottis) Heslink, 73, of Lancaster, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital on Friday, December 23, 2022. Born in Brockport, NY, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Betty (Nuffer) DeBottis. She was the loving wife of Daniel Heslink. Together they shared 51 years of marriage.
Karen graduated from Mynderse Academy, then earned a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia and a Master’s Degree from Millersville University. She worked as an Elementary School Teacher for Lancaster School District for 26 years until her retirement. She was also a published author. She was an active member of Millersville Community Church. In her spare time, she loved reading and writing, and travelling. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be very much missed.
In addition to her husband, Daniel, Karen is survived by her daughters Melanie Sanchez (husband, Josè Luis) of Lancaster, and Elisha Barone (husband, Edward) of State College; her grandchildren Lorelai Sanchez, Benjamin Barone, and Rebecca Barone; and her siblings Steven DeBottis, Kathy Erb, John DeBottis, Mary Fuller, and Betsy DeBottis.
Services will be held at Millersville Community Church Grace Campus, 163 W Frederick Street, Millersville, PA 17551 on Thursday, December 29, 2022. A Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM and Funeral Service will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Millersville Community Church at the address above or www.mcchurch.net, or to the Lancaster Education Foundation at 445 N Reservoir Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 or to www.lancastereducation.com.
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Condolences to the Family
January 14, 2023
My condolences to the Helsinki & DeBottis families. I am so very sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to visit with Karen at our Mynderse Academy 50th class reunion. May she rest in peace. Sharon Tyler
December 30, 2022
Oh Dan, I am so sorry to read about Karen leaving for heaven. Happy for her, but hard for you, I’m sure. We all know she is in perfect peace, but my prayer is for you in these coming days, weeks, and months as you navigate life without her by your side. Please know that I am just a phone call away. As I reflect on Karen, I remember her passion to share Christ’s love with everyone she met. I loved her enthusiasm for living life to its fullest, and letting Jesus be her guide. She gave so much of herself to others. I will deeply miss her until we meet again. Love in Christ, Karen Reen
December 30, 2022
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking about you.
December 28, 2022
Dear Dan,
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved Karen. (I just saw this obituary notice in the Lancaster newspaper.). 51 years of marriage is something most couples never reach—congratulations for that and for finding someone so very special as a life partner.
I am grateful for the two years we spent together as band director colleagues at MU, Dan. Thank you, sir, for hiring me! Please know that you are in my thoughts—-and the thoughts of MANY—- at this very difficult time of grief and mourning.
Most sincerely,
Rob Spence
December 28, 2022
We lost our beloved cousin and all of the DeBottis family mourns Karen Jean’s death. The world has lost a wonderful, kind, and caring person. May her soul Rest In Peace. Robin Christiano Ryan
December 27, 2022
My sincerest condolenses To the Heslink and Debottis families in the passing of my high school classmate Karen. Memories of Karen from our 50th reunion. May God keep you all in His perfect peace.
December 27, 2022
Steve Ed and I are so sorry for the loss of your sister. May she rest in peace. Love Ed and Sherry.
December 27, 2022
Steve, we are so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your sister well but what I did know is how welcome and friendly she always was to me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. Donna and George
- Services
- Thursday, December 29, 2022
- 11:00 AM
- Millersville Community Church, Grace Campus
- 163 W Frederick Street
- Millersville, PA 17551
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