Karyn Patricia Kizina

Karyn Patricia Kizina (Stead) passed away peacefully on February 10, 2017 following a long struggle with addiction. She was 38. Like with any disease, this was not all she was, nor all her family will remember about her. A graduate of Lake Brantley High School in Longwood, FL, Karyn was a member of the Varsity Swim Team as well as the State Championship Water Polo Team. She also worked for many years as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was a caring and giving individual who was very slow to judge her fellow man and kept an open mind about all of humanity. She was wonderful with senior citizens, showing them the respect and care sometimes forgotten by others. She was fiercely independent and loyal. She wanted to live and had plans for the future. She was a mother, a daughter, a sister and, like all of us, a flawed, but wildly loved child of God. We are told in Ephesians 2, 4-9, "that because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved...for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." While we deeply mourn what could have been, we are heartened in the knowledge that Karyn is finally free from pain and suffering, and her spirit is now with both her father, Tom Stead, who preceded her in death, as well as her Heavenly Father. She is survived by her daughter, Madison; mother, Mary Ann Stead; brother, Ryan Stead (Jessica); grandparents, Vance and Roddy Stead; two nieces, a nephew, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who all loved her dearly and will cherish their many fond memories with her. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place on Friday, February 24, 2017 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 South Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. Words of encouragement will be offered by The Rev. Corey Jones and family friend, Dr. Bill Barnes from 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception in the Rotunda from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Christian Service Center for Central Florida or United Against Poverty.

Karyn Patricia Kizina

September 4, 1978 - February 10, 2017