Karen Marie (Lisa) Martinez

Karen Marie (Lisa) Martinez, 61, of Maxatawny Township, passed away April 25, 2026, at Hershey Medical Center.

She was the wife of Johnny W. Wheeler, whom she married September 30, 2025.

Born April 24, 1965, in Reading, she was the daughter of Joseph Anthony Lisa of Reading and the late Miriam Ann (Kissinger) Lisa.

Karen was preceded in death by her sister, Christine Lisa; her niece, Rachael Torres; and her nephew, Colin Lisa.

Karen was a 1983 graduate of Central Catholic High School and went on to earn both an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree.

She was employed as a surgical technologist for 38 years, working most of her career with Reading Hospital. She ended her career with Donor Network of Arizona.

She was a member of St. Cyril R.C. Church, Reading.

Karen was also a member of a Surgical Technologist Association.

Karen was an avid Steelers fan. In her free time, she enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, and frequenting yard sales and flea markets. She loved to travel, especially on cruises, and spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving, in addition to her husband and father, are her two children: Jennifer L. Zana of Reading and Andrew Z. Rhein, husband of Michael Rhein, of Maxatawny Township.

In addition, she is survived by her three grandchildren: Makayla, Bianca, and Jeweliana.

Other survivors include her siblings: her twin sister, Kathy Archambault of Maxatawny Township; her brother, Joseph Lisa, husband of Anna, of Wernersville; and her brother, Mark Lisa of Shillington.

She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly: Erica Wentzel, wife of Daniel; Amber Archambault; Shaun Adams; Ashley Rusnak, fiancée of Brian; Taylor Lisa; Derek Lisa; and Olivia Lisa.

Great-nieces and nephews include Isabella, Adrianna, Abel, Nirvana, Andy, Chase, Keira, Charlotte, Kobi, and Maverick; and great-great-nephews, Kenzo and Elijah.

She is also survived by her cousins: Michelle Ackley, wife of James and mother of Emilee, Jazmin, and Noah; Ann Peters, wife of Paul; and Marylou Dvornicky, partner of Joe; along with numerous other relatives.

A viewing will be held Friday, May 8, from 2–4 p.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Ste. 105, Northfield, IL 60093, or online, and/or to a GoFundMe account established to help defray funeral costs.

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