Karen Lynn Melf, 71, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026 surrounded by her loving children and family. She was at home until the end as she wanted, comforted by the familiarity of the walls that knew her children’s first steps, Christmas mornings, and favorite films.

She was born in Newark, New Jersey, a daughter of the late Wilbur and Estelle (Heilbroun) Jellison Sr. She was proud of her humble beginnings, street smarts, and fond memories shopping with her mother downtown. Karen was a graduate of St. Vincent Academy in Newark, NJ. Prior to moving to Wilkes-Barre in 1982, she was employed as a merchandise buyer for Woolworth’s Department store in New Jersey, where she took pride in her skills and forged lifelong friendships.

Most dear to her heart, Karen was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Responding to a newspaper ad (prior to online dating) and encouraged by her coworkers, she took the leap of faith to meet Lawrence Melf, her handsome, affable, and charming soon-to-be husband in Wilkes-Barre. Together, they raised seven children whom she loved unconditionally. Karen proudly volunteered at their elementary school St. Mary’s Byzantine, from PTO meetings to snack bar, showed up at holiday concerts and school musicals at Bishop Hoban H.S., celebrated every holiday with them into their adulthood, and each milestone graduation and ceremony, including both Maria and Larry’s weddings.

Karen was Catholic and a devout member of Holy Rosary Church in Wilkes-Barre, prior to its closing. She was an avid reader, especially Harlequin Romance novels. She loved the colors pink and red, glitter, large designer handbags, Hallmark movies, and crime shows.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence C. Melf, in 1998, and by her brothers, Wilbur Jellison Jr. and Jeffrey Jellison. Upon her husband’s passing, she chose to stay in Wilkes-Barre to raise her family next door to her beloved brothers-in-law the late Anthony Melf and Joseph Melf and late sister-in-law Marie Melf.

Karen is survived by her children: Larry Melf and his husband, Dr. Craig Thorne, Plantation, FL and Cleveland, OH; Anthony Melf, Kingston; Joseph Melf, Wilkes-Barre; Julie Melf, Wilkes-Barre; Maria Ryder and her husband, David, Kingston; Rose Melf, Wilkes-Barre; and Kathy Melf, Wilkes-Barre. She is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Gabriel and Isabella Ryder. Karen equally adored Gabriel, her sweet angel always thinking of her, and Isabella, her mini-me who she felt a soul connection with since birth. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Thao Jellison, niece Kimberly Patrick, and extended family Nicole Kacsoh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 10 am in the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 339 N. Maple Avenue, Kingston. A private viewing will be held for the family at the funeral home. Friends attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the Church. The family will receive guests briefly after Mass. Interment will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Condolences may be sent by visiting Karen’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.