I am a 1989 graduate of YSU and was a student of Dr. Duda.  I was  shocked
when I stumbled upon her obituary online and learned that she had passed away in May.  I was actually searching for her to email her and update her  on my career.  She was always so interested.  I actually became a  Business Education teacher and taught in Pittsburgh.  For 2 years I had my students travel to YSU for a field trip to meet Dr. Duda, she was so inspirational to me.

I am just so saddened and shocked. This is a terrible loss for YSU.
 

My sincere sympathy to you and all of the YSU community for the loss of such a dynamic educator. Dr. Karen Duda will long live in my passion for  
education, the passion that she instilled back in the 1980's. I just wish I had taken the time to let her know how inspirational she was to me.  
 
I am now an Assistant Superintendent of Schools, but I will never forget my beginning as a business teacher, prepared and inspired by Dr. Duda.
~Terry Meehan
YSU Graduate 1989, July 8, 2006

I came across her memorial page on YSU's website by accident. I saw the words "memorial" and my heart sank. Dr Duda was not only my favorite professor, but also a mentor, even a friend. I first met her in a Web Development class at YSU during summer 2003. She pushed me to excel and not to slack off just to pass the class. Instead of letting me sail by, she challenged me because she knew I had potential. I believe she did this with all of her students, because she really cared about their success. I am also aware of her role in making YSU a better school. She pushed for new equipment and better programs in the Computer Science Department. My last year at YSU, I had some health and personal problems. She was there to listen and give advice. Most professors don't want to get involved or take the time to care. I wasn't just another number, another student in her grade book. She was one of the most caring, hard working, and compassionate people I have ever known. Hopefully she will set a standard for other professors and professionals at YSU. Without a doubt, she will be missed deeply by many. God bless her family in these trying times.
Yours Truly,
~Kristin Albert, IT major, June 26, 2006

Dear Joe, Emily and Quentin,

Dedicated, enthusiastic, committed, considerate, creative, humorous, intellectual, patient, progressive, sympathetic, witty, and gifted are just some of the words that described your wife and Mother, Karen Duda. She has impacted my life, as well as the lives of others. She has been a mentor to thousands of students during her teaching career. There are few people who cross our paths in life that make a difference. Karen made a difference in my life. I took a PageMaker class from her in her “Summer of Growth Workshop” in 1990. Instantly I was amazed at her ability to be humorous as well as motivating to make us work hard. She had the magical charm that made you want to do your best. Since that time after taking many classes from her, I have gotten to know her as a friend. She was a driven woman. When Business Education was changing because of the onset of the computer, she worked on her Masters in Multimedia as well as doing everything else. I don’t know how she ever did it. She always told me that you have to do what you have to do. “Just fit it in.”

When the time came for her to become department chair, I told her what a loss it was to teaching but a huge gain to the department. She told me that the learning curve was steep but I knew that she could do it. She threw her whole heart and sole into her family, her church, and her job.

She loved to swim and swim we did. We had to do 100 widths of the YSU pool or it was not even worth going to the pool. I know that is how she survived without a secretary until Connie came. After a few widths of the pool, she relaxed. That is when she talked about her family and how proud she was of their accomplishments.

I know that she loved to learn new things. Multimedia is ever changing and she always kept up with the changes. She spent hours studying to keep ahead of her students. I think that she is now sitting at the right hand of God running all the multimedia shows in heaven.

She was tough woman. She was not ready to leave this earth and she put up a great fight. She never complained. I asked her after Q’s graduation party if she was tired. She said, “If you only knew”.

I consider Karen a very special teacher. I marvel at the end of class how the students would line up to talk to her. She was there for over an hour longer taking time to answer questions for each and every student.

I, for one, will never forget her. I loved her like my own sisters and will miss her. I am reminded daily of her because of being a business teacher just like she was. When I found out that she passed away, my heart was broken. She was a part of my life and I am so glad that I knew her.

~Jean Hauger, June 5, 2006

I was profoundly saddened to hear of the loss of Karen Duda.  I met Karen about ten years ago during one of her summer workshops for teachers.  She began my interest for multimedia when I took her very first multimedia course in 1997.
She was a very intelligent woman, extremely personable, yet a stickler for
policies and procedures.  I remember how much she cared for her family and how close they were.   I was impressed that she undertook another Masters degree to become more knowledgeable in the field.  She truly appreciated lifelong learning and that resonated with me.  The loss of Karen is a significant loss to those who knew here as well as to the university and the community as a whole.  My heart felt sympathies go out to Karen's family and friends.
Warmest Regards,
Nick Grande Jr., June 5, 2006

Dear family of Dr. Karen Duda,

I had the unique privilege of meeting and having your wife and mother as
an instructor way back in 1985-86 when she still went by the name of
Dr. Polahar.  She brought a passion into the classroom and lightened up
the room with energy, humor, and knowledge.  She was demanding as an
instructor, but after I graduated from her program and moved out west to
California, I was able to hit and floor and run with the knowledge that I
learned from her teaching.

She soon married and became Dr. Duda and soon was expecting you Emily and
soon after gave birth to you.  While she was carrying you, her face was
radiant and full of expectation.

I will never forget her and even though I have not stayed in touch with
her, I am saddened for all of you and her collegues that had the pleasure of working with her over the years at YSU.

Your family is in my prayers every day.

God bless all of you at this time of loss.

~Katherine M. Smith, June 5, 2006

Joe, Emily and Quentin,

I miss my buddy, and I ache for your loss. I am so sorry.  Without a
doubt, your devoted wife and adoring mom could have befriended a toad
with her charm.  Karen's endearing qualities and fierce loyalty kindled
our fifteen-year friendship, which began when our paths first crossed at
St. Pius X Parochial School.

Over the years I got to know Karen, and each of you, quite well.  She
loved her family, her church and her career.  She liked little Shi Tzu
dogs, Mocha House chili, and jazz. She enjoyed watching Ursuline plays,
Packard Band concerts, and musicals.  She was fond of our family
get-togethers, in part, because we would eat hand over fist, talk like
uneducated goofs (although I was being quite myself!), and tease you,
Joe.  Thanks for putting up with our silliness.  And, Em and Q, thanks
for letting us goad you into playing piano so much--it was just one of
the many reasons your mother was so proud of you both.

I learned invaluable lessons from my "spiritual sister."  Thank God for
each day and bear your cross.  Focus on your passions and pursue them
with intensity.  Be generous with your time, your possessions and your
talent.  Help your friends.  

Karen's strength was phenomenal; her integrity, beyond reproach; her
brilliance, absolutely enthralling.  As a professor, I understand that
she was extraordinarily caring but - and let me be a little soft here -
somewhat demanding.  She seemed driven to motivate her students to
excel.  In her role as department chair, I cannot imagine anyone working
harder.

I picture your wife, your mom and my dear friend strolling down a
woodland trail with old withered flora laying limp before her and
breath-taking wild flowers blossoming brilliantly behind her.  Happy.  
Thank you for sharing her with me.  

Your friend always,
Nancy Homlitas, May 25, 2006

I will miss her.. She taught me so much during my time at YSU. She was my mentor.. She let me work by her side during my internship.. Of all the years, I have attended YSU.. Dr. Duda was always very helpful. She was there for me.. She never showed how frustrated she was.. She never showed how much she was hurting.. She kept on going.. She motivated me. She never let anything stop her from doing what she wanted accomplished.. For this, I will never forget her.. Many of us take for granted certain things.. Many of us, stress over the little things.. But, you never knew what she was going through.. No matter, what she was feeling or how uncomfortable she felt, she was still there for her students. Dr. Duda, showed me how to be more positive, motivated and don't let anything stand in my way. Showed me how to do the best that I can do.. It broke my heart to hear she moved on.. I will definitely miss her.. She will never be forgotten!
~Catherine Rouhana, May 20, 2006

Mr. Duda, Emily, and Quentin,
I cannot even begin to express my sympathy and grief over the loss of your wife and mother. I considered her to be one of my best friends. She was a wonderful mentor and an amazing leader. Her courage was unparalleled. She was incredibly smart, funny, kind, and most of all, loving. I loved her and I will always miss her.
Never forget how much she loved you. She talked about all of you all the time and loved you all very dearly. She wanted nothing but the best for you.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you at any time.
~Louise Popio, May 18, 2006

Dear family,
We are truly sorry for your loss, the good Dr. will be missed. My name is Eric Brown, I am a current student at YSU and had the Dr. for Web Site Development. A very pleasent woman, glade to have met her. I am currently in the Middle East serving our country, unable to make her service.Our prayers continue to go out to you and your family. May God bless you.
~Eric Brown, May 16, 2006

Dear Joe, Emily and Quentin,
You all have my deepest, heart-felt sympathy. The loss of Dr. Karen Duda will be felt by so many, perhaps none as deeply as all of you.
Karen touched so many people in so many ways. I met her for the "first" time in 1984 (or sometime close to that) when she was Karen Polahar...I knew I was going to like her from the very first class. I remember hearing stories of her dating Joe, then getting married, and not long thereafter, leaving our class for the birth of her first child, Emily. There was a small gap in our "meetings" after Emily was born until I returned to YSU for another degree (not unlike my favorite college professor)!
I enjoyed her even more the "second" time around. This time, I met Emily and Quentin...heard stories galore about the family (which I loved hearing and she cherished telling), shared stories about my husband-to-be, and got much advice from my favorite "expert"...and I learned from each and every bit of advice. We often would head for a "cold one" after classes sometimes and she would always share herself with those she loved...and she loved so many.
I have learned more from Karen Duda than I could ever put into words...I can, however, say this: I know that Karen Duda is a legend that will never be forgotten. It is my hope that all those whose lives she touched so tenderly will continue to share her story for many generations to come...I know I sure will.
May God continue to bless you all and hold you gently in his care.
~Jeanne Pursel, May 16, 2006

Dear Family of Karen Duda,
My deepest sympathy. Karen was one of the finest people that I have met in my seven years of employment at Youngstown State University. She had a real personable and down to earth approach with people. I will truely miss seeing her around campus.
~Bob Tupaj, May 16, 2006

Joe and Family,
Dr. Duda was such an amazing lady. I just want you all to know and realize how much I appreciated Dr. Duda and all of the many things she did for me as a student,friend,and educator. I had the opportunity to have Karen as a Professor for many classes starting in the late 90's. She was one of those teachers that would always bring that ray of sunshine into the classroom along with her sense of humor these are the qualities that made her such a special person. Also I will never forget how Dr. Duda would always take time out of her teaching to tell a story about her family, whom she cared for and spoke so highly of. Dr. Duda taught me so many tricks and techniques while studying at the university to become a teacher, all of which I remember and use to this day. Most importantly she taught me what it is like to become a deidcated person who shows compassion for the love of ones job, family, and students. Dr. Duda will always have a special place in my heart, and she will truly be missed by all.
Michael Barney May 15, 2006 Mineral Ridge, OH
Joe, I am so sorry to hear of Karen's death. I haven't spoken to her in years, but always thought so highly of her as a teacher and a woman. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
~Becky Bertilacci Serenko Pagan, May 15, 2006

Joe, we were so sorry to learn from Nancy & Mike of the death of Karen. Her death will leave such a huge hole that no one will be able to fill. We enjoyed her sweet smile and loving concern about everyone she met. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
~Robin & Gary Mitchell, May 15, 2006

Mr. Duda, Emily, and Quentin,
I am very saddened by the loss of your wife and mother. I was a student in her keyboarding class at YSU in the fall of 1992. Her passion for teaching was obvious to me. Because of Dr. Duda, I was able to work in the typing lab and assist other students with the computers. I will never forget her. You and your family are in my prayers.
~Frank A. Rubino, May 15, 2006

Dear Family of Karen Duda,
I took several classes from KD and she shared with me the following:
She liked Quentin’s web page with the star field background.
When KD expressed concerned as to whether or not public school would give her children a good foundation for college, I suggested she drop the kids off at Ursuline on her way to work in the morning.
She was thrilled when Emily was apart of the Academic Challenge team for Ursuline.
She loved her brothers and sisters and spoke well of her mother-in-law. She was happy that Quentin and Emily are close.
We shared our experiences growing up children of steelworkers and stay at home moms. She told me Joe worked in the steel mill. My husband lost his steel job in 2002.
Simply, she loved her family thinking about them throughout her day. I am confident that she is above the clouds now, crafting a rainbow for us to enjoy at the end of the rain.
My sympathy to Karen’s family,
Joan Losiewicz, May 15, 2006

Joe, Emily and Quentin,
Sorry about the loss of your wife, mother and friend.
She had a great sense of humor and was a positive influence in my life. She was my favorite aunt. I will miss her and will always be grateful for her.
With Sympathy,
Morgan & Matt Missentzis
Thomas Missentzis, May 14, 2006

There are some people one always expects to be there. I was shocked to hear we had lost our dear friend and mentor, Karen Duda. She was such an inspiration. A pre-eminent thinker who tirelessly accomplished much for the students and school she genuinely loved. Karen was an encouragement, not merely in academics; at every level she was personable and kind. She touched everyone in a good way.
As a discouraged single father, having just lost my job late in life, trying to struggle through school, an old student trying to learn a new vocation and often not sure where the next meal was coming from, Karen was perceptive and there with quiet encouragement. She helped me with scholarships I didn't even know existed. After all these years, I regularly think about her kindness and dedication, and a debt I have to pay forward.
One of the greatest things one can be is a teacher, Karen was far more. She will always be remembered because there is a huge hole left where she used to be; not just a hole in the program at YSU, but also in our hearts. Fortunately, she also left us great and warm memories, which will be some consolation. Having her as teacher was a privilege.
Here are some photographs I took during a course with her some years ago that, for me anyway, characterize how I remember Karen. Happy, fun, and genuine.
Doug Retter