Doreen Ann Karanzas

Doreen Ann Karanzas, nee Emmett, was born on April 11, 1957, in Scranton, PA, the first child of Frank and Antoinette Emmett. Doreen passed away on Tuesday October 8, 2024, at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness. Doreen was a registered nurse during her working career that took her eventually to the Philadelphia area where she met her loving husband Keith while working at the state prison at Graterford. After a fulfilling career Doreen retired with Keith to Lakeland, FL where she escaped the cold winters of Pennsylvania. Doreen was a kind-hearted soul, a prankster at heart, and a loving wife, aunt, godmother, sister-in-law, and friend. Her determination and tenacity helped her fight a chronic disease for most of her life and she did not let it stop her from achieving any goal or desire. Surviving family: Keith- husband, Frank Emmett (Tammy)- brother, Mark Emmett (Lisa)- brother, Michele Familetti (James)- sister, Maribeth Aileo (Tony)- sister; Nieces and nephews- Frank Emmett (Andrea), Elizabeth Emmett, Dominique Emmett, Nicholas Emmett, Jamie Familetti, Angeline Familetti (Ross Romanello), Maya Familetti, Alyssa Dechiario (Joe), Ryan Emmett (Becky), Gary Nestor (Kyle Tetkoski), Anthony Aileo (Madison DeEsch). Ryan Schillinger (Ann), Megan Schillinger, Molli Lundy (Jade); Great nieces and nephews: Piper Williams; Addyson & Elizabeth Dechiario; Nathan, Carter and Mackenzie Emmett; Estella & Giulia Emmett; Maddox & Penelope LeVasseur; Avaya & Kairo Lundy; Godchildren: Angela Tierney, Ryan Emmett, Angeline Familetti, and Dominique Emmett; Sister-in-law Lori Schillinger. Deceased family: Frank & Antoinette Emmett parents, Louis & Angeline Rose grandparents, James & Marie Emmett grandparents. Doreen attended St. Patrick’s elementary school in Olyphant, PA; Graduated from Bishop O’Hara High School in Dunmore, PA in 1975; earned her LPN degree at Lackawanna County Vo-Tech (PA) in 1982; and earned an Associate in Applied Science at Montgomery Community College (PA) in 1991 to become a registered nurse. Doreen followed her late mother Antoinette "Tootsie" Emmett into the nursing field after earning her LPN degree in 1982 at Community Medical Center in Scranton, PA. Doreen continued in various capacities as an LPN working at CMC, and nursing homes. In 1984 she was drawn to the urban area of Philadelphia where she could experience all that the big city could offer; and that she did in spades balancing work, school and the free single life of a vibrant young woman. There she eventually earned her Associate in Applied Science to become a Registered Nurse in 1991; albeit in fits and starts as she would jokingly recount her numerous failures and successes to accomplish her schooling. Shortly thereafter she began working at the state Prison at Graterford; first in the medical department then in the mental health unit. As charge nurse for the second shift of the MHU she became well known and respected by the rank-and-file staff, administration and management of the prison. Doreen met her future husband Keith while they both worked at the prison. The couple made a home in the Reading, PA area during their working lives. Doreen eventually retired in 2012 to begin the next chapter of her life and she and Keith eventually settled in Lakeland, FL at Cypress Lakes Village in January of 2014. Doreen and her husband Keith were avid sports fans. Doreen converted him to her beloved Philadelphia Phillies baseball team, and he converted her to his hometown Steelers. They each maintained allegiance to their respective hockey teams though, creating a good-natured rivalry on game days. Doreen loved the arts, especially musical plays, art galleries, and any cultural exhibit that came through Philadelphia, a city she loved along with New Orleans. Travel was also in her blood. She and Keith took many trips to places like Cancun, the Cayman Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, and weekend getaways from D.C to Baltimore and their own backyard of King of Prussia or Philadelphia and of course yearly trips to Pittsburgh and her hometown of Jessup, PA. Family was an important component of her life, and she relished attending all of the life events of her nieces, nephews and godchildren. Doreen and Keith wed on June 22, 2002, and honeymooned at the Outer Banks of North Carolina before their ultimate honeymoon getaway of Italy and Greece. Doreen’s ambition and determination were on full display in the cities and ruins of 2000 years ago touring sites such as the Roman Coliseum, or the Parthenon in Athens and the canals of Venice. After retiring she and Keith embarked on a quest in 2013 to visit the contiguous 48 states in their RV to see the sights of the cities and national parks of America. Doreen did not let her affliction of M.S. slow her down and the quest was complete by 2022. When not traveling the country, she could be found every Friday afternoon in her community of Cypress Lakes for weekly "happy hour" with the group she cofounded and named "Whippersnappers”. Doreen touched a multitude of lives socially, professionally, and familial in her 67 years of a well lived life. Her strength, determination, and unassailable positivity led her to live life to the fullest in spite of a debilitating disease. She was an inspiration to those who encountered her beaming smile and sparkling eyes. May she finally rest in peace.

Doreen Ann Karanzas

April 11, 1957 - October 8, 2024