Karen Elaine O’Donnell Enck, 77, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Born on August 20, 1948, in Orlando, Florida, Karen was the daughter of the late William Orrin O’Donnell, Sr. and Elaine Prather O’Donnell.

Karen was raised in Orlando, graduated from William R. Boone High School, and went on to study at Athens College in Alabama, where she met her husband, Gene. After their marriage, she moved to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where she lived for over 50 years. She worked in retail and as a school bus driver, but the roles she treasured most were those of a mother and homemaker.

Karen was kind and compassionate, with a warm and welcoming spirit. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and had a natural ability to make people feel comfortable and valued. Karen found great joy and fulfillment in raising her children and delighted in spending time with her grandchildren. She was a loving sister and aunt who cherished her family deeply. Karen valued her many friendships, maintaining close ties with friends from her youth and forming meaningful connections throughout her life. She found pleasure in gardening and took great pride in her Irish heritage, especially celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. A devout and faithful Catholic, Karen attended Mass at St. Patrick Church in Carlisle.

She is survived by her sons: William (Jessica), Brian (Melissa) and Michael (Nicole); and her ten grandchildren, Ryan and Connor, children of William and Jessica; Finn, Lyla and Bennett, children of Brian and Melissa; and Lexis, Michael, Preston, Arabelle and Gavin, children of Michael and Nicole; as well as her siblings, William O’Donnell, Jr., Diane Engel, Mary Beth O’Donnell, and Kathleen Francisco (John).

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her former husband, W. Eugene “Gene” Enck, and her brother, Daniel O’Donnell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Shrine Church 152 East Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013, with the Reverend Donald Bender, Celebrant. A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will take place at Mt. Zion Cemetery followed by a reception at 1:00 p.m. at The Cellar at Allenberry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Church, 152 E Pomfret St., Carlisle, PA 17013 or the Alzheimer’s Association.