Doris Kay Karstensen

Doris Kay Karstensen, age 86 years, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on Friday, March 11, 2022 at Lakeside - Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster PA where she had resided for the last seven years. Doris was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 12, 1935 to the late Karl and Margaret. She lost her father at a very young age. Born during the Depression, and growing up in the midst of World War II as a small child, contributed to her resourcefulness and resilience. Doris lived most of her life in Brooklyn NY before moving to Flemington, NJ and finally Pennsylvania later in life. After graduating from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, Doris worked for the NY Telephone Company. Following several years as a homemaker, Doris then worked as a buyer for three Neergaard Pharmacies, a pioneer in the concept of 24-hour pharmacy services in Brooklyn, NY. She also worked as an executive receptionist for Credit Suisse First Boston in Manhattan, and then worked as a receptionist with Johanna foods in Flemington NJ for many years. Following her retirement, Doris served as an elected board member of the Townsende Homeowners Association in Flemington for several years. She enjoyed arranging and attending many day trips by bus for Hunterdon seniors. Doris was a part of a weekly Bible study where she enjoyed learning and having fellowship with the other ladies in her group. Her favorite games were Scrabble and mahjong. She loved her two Yorkshire Terriers who were often seen with her strolling the sidewalks of Flemington. Doris was an active member of the 59th Street Lutheran Brethren Church, Brooklyn, NY, where she met and married the late, Arthur Karstensen. Together they raised two daughters, Laurie and Karen. She and Arthur shared a passion for travel and over the span of many years they traveled the world. Her favorite place was Israel. Doris was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Above all was her love for her Lord Jesus, and her steadfast faith in His ways. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Arthur, who died in 1998, and her dear sister, Evelyn, who died in 1975. Surviving are her daughter, Laurie Sagaard and her husband Odd, of Morris County NJ, daughter Karen Karstensen of Somerset County NJ, six grandchildren; Steven Sagaard and his wife, Laurie of Mercer County NJ, Julie Jones and her husband, Nick of VA, Daniel Malinowski, Kristine Malinowski, Alex Malinowski, and Michele Malinowski, all of Somerset County, NJ and four great-grandchildren; Natasha, Levi, Remy, and Saija. Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service for Doris that will begin at 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 20, 2022, in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. An additional time to gather will follow the funeral service until 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Graveside services and burial will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, March 21, 2022, at Ocean View Cemetery, 3315 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY 10306. Those who attend the graveside are encouraged to meet at the entrance (office) of the cemetery prior to 11:00 am when the procession will be escorted to the grave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Doris’ name may be made by highlighting and following this link: https://sampur.se/3qcGiUL For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit Doris’ “Tribute Wall” at www.holcombefisher.com.