Mary May Karpenko's Obituary
Mary May Karpenko went home to be with her Savior, Jesus, on September 6, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 71.
Mary grew up in Richardson, Texas, the beloved daughter of Russell and Ruby Karpenko, and sister to Roberta Caywood and Matt Karpenko. From an early age, she had a special gift for caring for children and animals, tending to them with patience and care.
During her youth, Mary enjoyed lifeguarding at Richardson’s municipal pools and working at the Christian bookstore while attending nursing school. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Texas Woman’s University and dedicated her 27-year career to serving children as a pediatric nurse.
As a young adult, Mary was actively involved at Saint Rita’s Church and its singles groups, where she met her husband, Steve. They were married for 12 years, and during that time welcomed their greatest joy – their son, Miles. She cherished being his mother and later delighted in the gift of being a grandmother of three grandsons.
Her life was marked by her unwavering love for Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, devotion to her family, compassion for children and animals, and a wonderful sense of humor.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Ruby Karpenko. She is survived by her sister, Roberta Caywood; her brother, Matt Karpenko; her son, Miles, and his wife, Maggie; and her three treasured grandsons, Miller, Wesley, and Price.
A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will be held on Friday, September 26, at 2:00 p.m. at Restland in Dallas.
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