KENNEDY KAREN A., Ph.D. Was a native of Forest Hills, she passed from this world into the loving arms of her Savior on Saturday, December 19, 2015. Karen is survived by her brother, John Kennedy of Ohio, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary (Windish) Kennedy; along with sisters, Marcella (Driscoll) Mullen, Virginia Stoltz and Maryan Desmaris; and her brother, James Kennedy. Karen was ambitious and loved learning, her career spanned many decades as an international educator and consultant of international issues. She was involved in international educational endeavors on many levels, both in the States and abroad. She consulted with and advised governmental officials and policy makers in many countries of the world, but her greatest ties professionally and culturally were with the people of sub-Saharan Africa. Aside from scholarly achievements, Karen was passionate in helping others and joined the Peace Corps in its earliest years of the 1960s. She spent her time in Ethiopia teaching high school students, and influencing the policy and procedures of education in the region. She authored a book, that was used by the Ethiopian government to guide educators and students pursuing higher education and training. Upon her return to the States, Karen received her Master's Degree in Political and Economic Development from Duquesne. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. As a "true New Yorker" she served as a consultant and volunteer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With a bright mind, and keen inherited ability to debate many issues, Karen's career of advising and consulting in learning systems, spanned the educational diversity of grass root initiatives to institutes of higher education. She was nationally and internationally influential in policy and procedures adopted in the States as well as The Netherlands, Canada, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Lesotho and South Africa. Karen's zest for education and enrichment led to a career in higher education. She served as an Assistant Dean at Carlow College; an Assistant Provost at Carnegie Mellon from 1980-1983; an Associate Provost at Hofstra University from 1983-1987; an Associate Dean and professor at Kean University from 1987-1993; as a faculty and curriculum developer at Long Island University; and most recently as Dean of weekend college for Queens College in Flushing, NY. Among her many endeavors, she loved to travel abroad, spending summer leave in countries all over the globe. Her lifelong compassion and interest in the people of sub-Saharan Africa, cultivated an intimate understanding of their culture and an extensive interest in their cultural arts. She was an avid collector of original art, many times meeting the artists themselves. She fostered and maintained many friendships in Africa, New York and her native Pittsburgh. She treasured the importance of enriching others' lives through learning. There will be a private family service and interment. Arrangements with PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME, TURTLE CREEK / MONROEVILLE CHAPEL, 1111 Monroeville Ave. at James St., Turtle Creek 15145 (412-823-9350). Memorial donations may be made in Karen's memory to the PEACE CORPS, a collective donation will benefit an ongoing project in a developing South African country in Karen's name. Donations may be sent to William Driscoll, 503 Arrowhead Trail - Sinking Spring, PA 19608 or in care of Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home . Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
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