Karen Renee Solnicka, 65, of Richland Washington, passed away on September 15th, 2023, in the
town of Richland Washington. A service will be held on September 29th at 12:00pm at Richland Lutheran
Church in Richland Washington.

Karen was born on June 4th, 1958, in San Rafael California to Tom and Sandra Pitkin. She had an
older sister named Debbie and a younger brother named Tom. Her dad was in the Coast Guard, and she
lived on multiple military bases throughout her childhood. Karen graduated from Kennewick High school
in 1976. She met her future husband Steve Solnicka in 1980. After some time, dating, they were married
in Coeur d’ Alene Idaho on June 26th, 1981. Karen worked for Bechtel Unit 1 until leaving to begin a
family. Karen was a loving and caring mother of three, Casandra, Steven Jr, and Amanda. When the
youngest started kindergarten, Karen started working at Hanford High School in the Nutritional Service
Department. She worked there for 24 years until retiring in 2019. She was diagnosed with cancer at the
age of 61. She had undergone several radiation and chemo treatments. After a year of treatment, she
was declared cancer free.

Karen enjoyed reading, puzzles and knitting. She was very active and participated with her
daughters in girl scouts. She enjoyed animals and had owned numerous dogs throughout her life. The
absolute love and highlight of her life were her family. She was a Nana to 9 beautiful grandchildren.

Karen was a sweet loving soul. She cared for everyone even if you weren’t her own. At Hanford
High, she gave numerous students money for lunch when they did not have any. Karen was one of the
most caring women in the world, and she would make friends any place she went. Karen always looked
forward to family holidays, birthdays, and BBQ’s. Karen was always the happiest when she was around
her family.

Karen is proceeded in death by her mother Sandra Pitkin, father Thomas Pitkin. Karen is survived
by her loving family: Husband Steven Solnicka SR; Children Casandra Blakely, Steven Solnicka JR, Amanda
Howard; her brother Thomas Pitkin JR; 9 grandchildren, and countless other loving family and friends.