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Kings Park High School President Karen Lessler died on Monday, April 4, after battling pancreatic cancer. She was 65.
Lessler of Centereach also served as president of Middle Country School District’s Board of Education. She received numerous awards and accolades during her tenure as an administrator.
A visitation service is being held today, from 4-8 p.m., at St. James Funeral Home, 829 Middle Country Road in St. James. A funeral service is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.
New York State Assemblyman Doug Smith was among the many people in the community who have shared heartfelt tributes to Lessler.
“This one hurts me so much to write. This week our community lost a strong leader, dedicated educator, loving parent and wife, and I lost a dear friend,” Smith posted on Facebook. “Dr. Karen Lessler was so many things to our community, she believed that making a difference starts at home.
“As a social studies teacher, union leader, principal, college professor, and longtime Middle Country Board of Education President, she showed so much love and devotion to the children of our community and state,” Smith continued. “Karen was a problem solver who worked with people of all backgrounds and politics to seek solutions for the betterment of all of us. Karen was a personal friend and one of the warmest people that I have been fortunate enough to know. My heart is absolutely breaking …”
Below is a photo montage video dedicated to Lessler. The YouTube post was shared on Facebook by Middle Country Schools.
Featured photo: St. James Funeral Home
