Karen Ponto

Karen Ponto (nee Dembowski) lived a joyous life that ended on March 27, 2025, after a tragic fall at
home 10 days prior. Even in her youth, Karen had a signature spirit. Her love story with Jim
began when they were neighbors. They met; they dated. He made her laugh. She filled his life with
optimism and spirit. They were a good team. Jim and Karen were married for over 48 years. The
team grew larger with the arrival of children, Michelle Richards (Dave) and
Brian Ponto (Ferris Caldwell). And the team grew larger still with Karen and Jim’s beautiful
grandchildren: Stella Laine Richards, Sadie James Richards, and Wesley Theodore Ponto. Karen’s
loving and vital presence in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives cannot be overstated. Karen is
also survived by many loving relatives: her sister Malina Kroll (Roger) and brother, Anthony
Dembowski; her niece, Tracy Folmar (Jason), her nephew, Andrew Snyder (Ashley); numerous
great nieces and nephews: Ashley, Matthew, Michael and Nicholas Folmar, and Autumn and
Savannah Snyder; many cousins; as well as sister-in-law, Geraldine Ponto; and Karen’s neighbors,
nursing colleagues, and so many friends that she touched throughout her life. Karen’s mother,
Dorothy (Zaremba), father, Anthony Dembowski, and brother, Gerard Dembowski, predeceased
her.
Karen also lived an accomplished life. She graduated from Union College and the former Elizabeth
General Hospital School of Nursing in Elizabeth, NJ, before beginning her professional nursing
career. Right out of school, Karen devoted her nursing skills to the health and well-being of
children. She started her career as a nurse in labor and delivery at then Elizabeth General Hospital
and later was a pediatric nurse at that hospital. Karen also was a nurse at Children’s Specialized
Hospital in Mountainside, NJ, and retired from her role as a school nurse at Lakeview School in
Menlo Park, NJ, caring for children with cerebral palsy.
Alongside her professional life, Karen made the time to nurture her creative spirit, whether it was
sewing Halloween costumes for her kids, crafting pottery that she mostly gave away, celebrating
every holiday with abundant décor, or cooking countless holiday meals for family. Karen made the
day-to-day festive and the big occasions memorable. Karen also loved her neighborhood—
shouting hello to neighbors walking down Oak Lane. When you came through her front door, you
received a big hug and kiss. She made a statement to all: you are welcome.
That spirit that Karen shared with all throughout her life remains strong and enduring. It will be
celebrated on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from noon to 4:00 p.m., at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake
Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090. Karen would have been 72 years of age
that day. For those wishing to express their sympathy tangibly, in lieu of flowers, the family would
prefer donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.