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Karen Patricia Krejsa, 71, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Monday June 22, 2026, while at her home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was born on November 10, 1954 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to the late Richard Harold & Kathleen Flynn Harold.
Left to cherish Karen’s memory are her adoring partner of over 20 years, Mr. Philip A. Gudelunas; daughters, Jennifer Krejsa-Smallridge and her husband Brian of Myrtle Beach, Kelly Brennan and her husband, Robert of New Jersey, Stacey Krejsa of New Jersey, Kate Flowers of Pennsylvania, and Traci Gumaer and her husband Jeff of Virginia; son, Michael Gudelunas of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Delaney O'Connor, Chloe Krejsa, Logan Baker, Jared Baker, Emma Baker, Ella Flowers, Emma Gumaer, and J.P. Gumaer; her cherished great-granddaughter, Kyah Brennan. In addition to her immediate family, Karen is survived by Theresa Garecht, and Phyllis Amerman, who she considered sisters; as well as a large, loving extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors.
Karen found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved cooking for those she cared about, spending countless hours reading as an avid bookworm, and enjoyed completing puzzles. Grocery shopping and shoe shopping were among her favorite pastimes, and she treasured relaxing days spent by the pool. When opportunities arose, she enjoyed traveling and creating lasting memories with her loved ones. Karen was also a devoted animal lover who adored her dogs, especially her beloved dog Holly. Above all else, Karen loved her family with her whole heart. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with those she loved, offering support, sharing laughter, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Karen’s loving spirit, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Friday June 26, 2026, at 2pm at Burroughs Funeral Home, 3558 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. The family will gather to greet friends from 1pm until the time of service.
At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations in Karen’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, please visit www.burroughsfh.com
Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.