Obituary of Karen J. Hatzell

Karen Ruth Hatzell, 78, of Middletown
Devoted mother, dedicated teacher, proud Swedish descendent

Karen Ruth Hatzell, 78, of Middletown Township, died of natural causes at her home on January 13, 2025.

A kind, caring person, Hatzell dedicated her life to the health and happiness of her beloved son, Brian, a charming man with Down syndrome who passed away Oct. 13, 2023.

Born in Philadelphia on September 14, 1946, Hatzell was the daughter of Herman R. Johnson and Fay Ione Johnson, nee Reed. She grew up in Lansdowne and graduated from Landsowne-Aldan High School in 1964. She graduated from West Chester University in 1968, earning her teaching degree, and went on to earn a master’s degree. Hatzell was a fourth-grade teacher at Garrettford Elementary School for 30 years, retiring in 1999. She maintained close ties with her fellow teachers who met on a regular basis for lunch.

Hatzell was a member of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Aston where she was pleased that Brian was able to serve as an acolyte for many years. Hatzell was dedicated to the Delaware County Special Olympics program where Brian participated for 43 years, training and competing in soccer, basketball, bowling, track and golf. Hatzell was not only her son’s chauffeur to all of his activities, but she served the organization in many ways, including as a board member, fundraiser, chaperone and overall cheerleader.

In 1999, Hatzell traveled with Brian to the Special Olympics World Games in North Carolina. She was also active in Brian’s other activities including the Delaware County Down Syndrome Group, Villanova Best Buddies, the Delaware County Advocacy and Resource Organization and the Media Theatre State Street Miracles.

Hatzell loved to travel, including bus trips with her lifelong friend Florence Silvey. On one trip, they visited the home of Brian’s musical hero, Elvis, at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. Over the years, she went to Alaska, Bermuda, Florida, the Bahamas, Europe and she loved the Jersey Shore. A favorite trip was when she flew to Sweden with her sister, Linda Hubbard, to meet the relatives of their grandfather, Anders Johnson.

Hatzell was a gentle soul who was a good friend to many.

She was predeceased by her son, Brian, and her parents.

She is survived by her husband, William T. Hatzell Jr., her sister, Linda Hubbard of St. Augustine, Fla., her nephew John Bruchak of Green Cove Springs, Fla., and her niece Lois Smith of Jacksonville, Fla.

 A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, 535 Lamp Post Lane, Aston.

Visitation will be from 9:15-10:15 a.m. April 5 at the church.

Interment will follow at Arlington Cemetery, 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill.

Arrangements are made by the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, 608 S. Old Middletown Road, Media.

Memorial contributions in Hatzell’s memory can be made to the Delaware County chapter of Special Olympics, Box 1202, Havertown, PA 19083.