Kristen Pickelsimer Karabinos

Kristen Dawn Pickelsimer Karabinos was born on April 26, 1986. She attended Harford County schools and graduated from C. Milton Wright High School in 2004. After high school she went on the earn a Bachelor of Science from Salisbury University as well as a Master of Science from University of Delaware. Kristen secured a position with the Department of Defense and for nine years crushed the glass ceiling as a high-powered female in the male dominated field of Engineering.

Throughout her life Kristen was devoted to spending as much time with her family as possible. She loved going to Myrtle Beach with the whole crew every summer, spending hours in the sun sitting in the sand and playing corn hole. Kristen also loved playing board games with her Dad (Barry) and going shopping and landscaping with her Mom (Barbara). Kristen was exceptionally close to her extended family, especially all of her cousins, making time to see them whenever she could.

One of Kristen’s greatest joys was making memories with her nephew, Landon. She was the “cool Aunt” and made it a priority to take him on amazing adventures all over the world. Kristen also had a very close relationship with her sister (Lauren) and Brother-in-law (Chris). It was the honor of their lives to walk beside her through her valiant battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer.

In December 2019 Kristen met the love of her life, her husband Matt. Their connection was immediate and obvious to everyone who knew them. Kristen loved spending weekends watching Matt dirt bike and playing together with their dog, Marley. Together they loved boating on Raystown Lake and enjoying the company of Matt’s parents, Jean and Charlie. They also enjoyed a spirited rivalry between her love for Baltimore sports and his passion for Pittsburgh. Matt’s love for her was a tremendous support over the last year of her life and brought her true joy during a very difficult time.

Her family and friends take great comfort in knowing that Kristen developed an intimate relationship with God over the last year of her life. She loved attending Mountain Christian Church and was an avid participant in several Bible studies. Her faith became an inspiration to other cancer survivors across the world.

Kristen’s light was taken from this Earth on June 21, 2021. She was 35 years old.

In lieu of flowers, please make tributes online to Making Strides Baltimore Team KPstrong at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/teamkpstrong.