Karen L Yakabouski, 72, of Wilkes-Barre, passed on Sunday, October 13, 2024, while in the comforting care of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains, with her loving family by her side.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on May 27, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret Mitchell Danko. Karen grew up in the Miners-Mills section of the city. She attended Wilkes-Barre Area schools and was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School. During her younger years, Karen enjoyed bartending at the LANI V.F.W. and Hudson Servicemen's Club in the Plains area.

Karen married Ed Yakabouski on November 30, 1998 and the happy couple settled in Moosic then relocating back to Wilkes-Barre. Karen was a loving mother and caregiver to her children and grandchildren. She loved to cook her famous piggies, Stromboli and Spaghetti for everyone for family gatherings. During the afternoon, you could find her watching General Hospital, she was a faithful fan, Price is Right, Murder she Wrote and what she called her "stories". When not enjoying her shows she would go outside and take in the sun and enjoy sipping on a Natural Lite Beer. Recently, she enjoyed being a caregiver to her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved very much. She will be lovingly missed, but she will be welcomed by her family in heaven.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Ed; son Thomas Welles; brother Joseph Danko; sisters Rose Gutierrez; Margaret Melodick; Gloria Obitz; Patricia Roman; and granddaughter Nicole Welles.

Karen is survived by her brother Walter Danko, Wilkes-Barre and daughters Kimberly Young husband Kraig, Kingston; Tammy Maciolek and her husband J.R, Mountaintop; grandchildren Marissa; Haley; Sarah; Christina; John; Samantha; and Matthew; great grandchildren Robert; Mackenzie; Noah; Desmond; Elsie; Jocelyn; and Joseph; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service for Karen will be held on Monday, October 21,2024, at 9:30 a.m. from the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. in Saints Peter and Paul Church, 13 Hudson Road, Plains Mass will be officiated by the Rev. John C. Lambert, Pastor. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Wyoming.

Friends and family are also invited to a visitation to be held on Sunday, October 20,2024, from 2:00 P.M- 4:00 p.m.at the funeral home.