Here is a digital library of cards, letters, photos and videos chronicling Karen's life journey

Karen E. Dvorscak, the daughter of Cliff and Jean Bittorf lived a life many of us dream of.  Karen from an early age was kind, thoughtful, caring, and selfless.  These precious attributes were carried on in her nearly 68 years of life.  One very close friend, once said, “Karen was the responsible one.” Another said, “Karen could out clean Mr. Clean!” And another jokingly wrote, “Those that knew Karen, clearly knew her work ethic.  She kicked butt.... :)  and was feared (haha) but loved!”

A 1974 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School, Karen worked at a local movie theater and as a maid in a hotel, both jobs a testament to her work ethic.  Karen joined the Department of Navy early in her adult years and for nearly 40 years, served the Naval community and her coworkers with a humble demeanor, caring attitude and a focus on detail and completing the task.

During Karen’s career, she received many accolades and awards and continued her ascension in the GS ratings, eventually achieving a GS-14 position. This was achieved without a college degree, a remarkable achievement.  Regardless of her success, Karen always remained humble and caring.  Because of Karen’s dedication to coworkers and the Department of the Navy, as a Systems Account, Karen was nominated and accepted into the very prestigious American Society of Military Comptrollers and was also recognized as the “Department of the Navy’s subject matter expert for accounting reconciliation issues.

Karen’s passion for bowling was shared by her mom and members of her bowling team.  Karen often bowled right after work and arrived home around 9 PM. Albeit tired, Karen shared great stories of strikes and spares and how the “perfect game” had eluded her once again.  Karen never failed to be up and ready for work the next morning.  We all hope Jesus gives her a lane to bowl the “perfect game!”

Karen’s passion for hockey and assembling puzzles brought her great joy.  Karen spent many hours assembling puzzles with her mom or sitting with Jean and watching a hockey game.  Also, Karen provided great care and comfort while her mother was here at the ranch, and once again her devotion to Jean was the act of an angel.  These are a testament to Karen’s selfless nature.

Karen and her husband developed West Crescent Ranch in Nokesville, VA where her love for horses, a love developed early in life, flourished.  Karen, while working a full-time job, would rise early at 0400 and tend to the horses before heading off to work.  In the evenings, stall cleaning and caring for the horses came first.  

After retirement from the Department of the Navy, Karen found great solace and calm tending to her horses and the never-ending chores at the ranch.  Karen never balked at hard work nor complained and would jump on a mower or work out a horse with a passion only a caring person would appreciate.  

Karen was a fighter.  For the better part of her life Karen fought cancer.  Throughout the 30 plus years of the fight, Karen never complained and fought back with the zeal and tenacity of a Marine.  

Karen’s mother and father and two sisters, Susan and Gloria, preceded her in her journey to heaven.  Karen is survived by her husband, Peter, two sisters Carol and Loretta (husband Terry), niece Melissa, and nephews Sam and Chris Campbell, David Dill and his children, Aubree, Carolyn, Ben, Jaxon, Beckett, Tyler Dill and his child, Gunnar including great nieces, Amelia Campbell and Aubree Dill.

Karen was baptized on June 5th, 2023, and accepted Jesus Christ as her savior.  We are all grateful for having her as a friend, sister, aunt, and wife.  Hold her in your memories with this thought in mind, “May the candle of Karen’s life and caring nature forever shine brightly in your heart.”

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to her husband, who will establish a fund to research alternative technologies for cancer treatment.