Karen E (Kauker) Leber

Karen (Kauker) Leber, of North Haledon, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on December 7, 2025. She was born on February 25, 1942, in Paterson, New Jersey, to the late Michael and Frances (Misczak) Kauker. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Edward Leber in 2023. Her life was a beautiful testament to kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Born with a gentle spirit and a passion for learning, she spent many years shaping young minds as a dedicated teacher. Her classroom was more than a place of lessons; it was a space filled with encouragement, patience, and belief in every child’s potential. 

Karen is survived by her two daughters, Lauren and son-in law Joseph Fodi, and Kathleen Leber; her grandchildren, Joseph LaBarck; Michael LaBarck and his wife Nicole; Alexander Fodi and his wife Ciara; and Cortland Fodi and his wife Priscilla; her twin brother Michael Kauker and his wife Eileen; and her beloved dog, Mac. 

As a great-grandmother, she leaves behind Alexander Joseph Jr., as well as three great-granddaughters who are expected to arrive within the coming months. Every visit from Alexander brought her endless smiles and immeasurable happiness.

As a wife, mother and grandmother, she was the foundation of her family. Her home was a haven of warmth, where laughter was abundant, and love was unconditional. She had a special way of making everyone feel seen and cherished, offering guidance without judgment and comfort without hesitation. Her stories, her hugs, and her gentle reminders to “be kind” will echo in our hearts forever.

She leaves behind a family who will forever be inspired by her compassion, resilience, and grace. Though our hearts are heavy, we take solace in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband and that her spirit lives on in each of us.

We honor her by carrying forward the love she so freely gave.

The Leber family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 till 7:00pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ  07481.  A funeral mass will take place on Thursday at 11:00am at St. Elizabeth's RC Church, 700 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ  07481.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's memory may be made to North Haledon PBA, 103 Overlook Ave, North Haledon NJ 07508 or Wyckoff Fire Department, 1 Scott Plaza, Wyckoff NJ 07481.