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Friends and Neighbors Remember Sister Karen

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – The body of a missing Catholic nun was found Monday in a shallow grave near the Buffalo home she founded for former prison inmates. Police say one of the home's residents, Craig Lynch, 37, confessed to killing Sister Karen Klimczak, 62, while high on drugs.

Earlier in the day, local law enforcement and citizens conducted a yard-by-yard search for Sister Karen.

Friends, colleagues and residents gathered in prayer near the Bissonette House on Grider Street just before joining the search. It was a diverse group of religious leaders, politicians and citizens. A number of those who participated were from the African American community.

Sister Karen's work stretched well beyond her assistance of ex-prisoners. She was well known by many in the Delavan-Grider neighborhood for helping families of homicide victims, promoting peace and an end to city violence. Ivory Fleming of Buffalo says she met Sister Karen three years ago when her her 30-year-old son was murdered.

"She made a difference in my life to make sure that I knew someone cared," Fleming said. "She was willing to listen. She was always there and would do anything she could for you."

"It is a difficult experience for us because you never know who is going to come through the door and what could happen," said Sister Mary Johnice, who worked with Sister Karen for many years.

Sister Johnice runs the Respone to Love Center on Kosciuszko Street. She says it is a risk working in the poorer sections of the city. But she says it won't stop her from helping those in need.

"I can't say you are not fearful. You are cautious, But then that is our life, that is what we choose to be," Sister Johnice said. "It is not for everyone. And if Jesus could lay down his life for others, you know that is what we choose to do."

Two bouquets of flowers and three bright yellow daffodils had been placed at the door step of the Bissonette House in honor of Sister Karen, well before the community knew her final fate.