Pologa, Karen M.

ALBANY- Karen Stiffen Pologa, 60 passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017 at home after a courageous 10 year battle with breast cancer.

Born in Albany Karen graduated from Cardinal McCloskey High School and she was the daughter of Anna Russo Stiffen and the late James Stiffen. Karen worked at HUD for several years and for the past 28 years as a waitress at Sam’s Italian American Restaurant in Albany where she developed lifelong friends who cared deeply for her and supported her throughout her illness.

She was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church (formerly St. James Church) and an avid Buffalo Bills and NY Yankee fan. Karen enjoyed summer vacations with her family in Long Beach Island, NJ (LBI).

She is survived by her grammar school sweetheart of 38 years Andrew (Harry) Pologa; two sons James (Stephanie) Pologa and Andrew (Jade Peguero) Pologa, Jr.; her sisters Rosanne (the late Robert) O’Brien and Jane (Joseph) Herold; her sisters-in-law Sr. Chris Pologa, CSJ and Cynthia (Art) Del Signore; her brothers-in-law Tom (Trudi) Pologa and John (Anne) Pologa. Her grandchildren McKenna, James, Gianna, and Jose brought her great joy. Her fifth grandchild is due in November 2017. Karen is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews, 9 great nieces and nephews and a treasure trove of friends from Sam’s Restaurant and Cardinal McCloskey class of 1975, especially Debbie Casey, Ron Higgs and Becky Caruso.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Nini Wu, Dr. Adriana Lisinschi and Dr. Doyle for their unconditional love and care for Karen and their support for her family, we are forever grateful.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Karen’s family on Thursday September 7, 2017 from 9-11 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave. Albany. At 11 am there will be a prayer service of remembrance. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.

In lieu of flowers those who wish may send memorial contributions to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 650309 Dallas, TX 75265-0309 or Community Hospice, Gift Processing Center, 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.