Karen Hammel

Obituary Karen J. Hammel of Quakertown, Pennsylvania died peacefully on September 12, 2020. She is survived by her husband, Alex Hammel; two stepchildren, Ambrose Hammel and Danyka Wambold; father, Ronald Schroder; brothers and sisters, Dave Schroder, Elizabeth (Fred) Stumpf, Julia (Kevin) Frederes, and Kevin (Kristen) Schroder; and seven nieces and nephews, John, Isa, Ella, and Ben Stumpf, Colin and Connor Frederes, and Seth Schroder. She was predeceased by her mother, Julie Schroder. Karen was born and raised in Rochester, New York, fourth in a line-up of five distinct sibling personalities, the fifth of whom she would humorously challenge on his youngest claim. He was, after all, her twin. She was a well-liked student at Rush-Henrietta Senior High School where she excelled both in the classroom and on the softball field. Karens commitment to school and community was recognized by her enshrinement into the Henrietta Youth Hall of Fame. Work allowed her the opportunity to move to Pennsylvania. It also placed Karen in the enviable position of live-in Aunt to two of her then young nephews. This was a role she valued greatly and for which she was perfectly suited. Colin and Connor would rightly agree. In her 25 years with Staples, Karens hard work, expertise, and ability to rise to any presented challenge made her the ultimate asset. As the only Operations Manager in her district, she was routinely called upon to shape up underperforming stores. Just as routine were the positive outcomes and friendships her efforts produced. When not at work, Karen loved spending time with her husband and stepchildren. All the better when that time got her outdoors. Be it hiking Hawk Mountain Sanctuary or kayaking the Delaware River, her ready camera captured each adventure. There was a period when Karen might have identified herself as a cat person, but she found compassion in her heart and a large space in her home for two German Shepard rescues. Her shared care and affection for Diesel and Malli reciprocated in full by a steadfast loyalty and attentiveness rarely seen and best not tested. Karen will be remembered for her creativity, intelligence, strong will, and abiding desire to put others' needs before her own -- traits exhibited even in her final days. Her life though cut short, endures in the smiles, memories, and love it will always elicit. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a date to be determined. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org), St. Lukes Hospice (https://www.slhn.org/vna/hospice), or Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue (https://www.charwillsrescue.com/). Services Services are to be announced