Hastings resident Karen Lowens passed away on Saturday, October 29 after a long illness. Born on March 22, 1937 to Ida and Milton Lowens in the Bronx, New York, she graduated from Alfred University and Hunter College. She was a beloved and respected teacher at Grace H. Dodge Vocational High School, and in retirement tutored students at Mercy College. Karen was predeceased by sister Nancy Hope, and is survived by wife/spouse/partner Cecilia Marchetti, son Ekalavya Das, daughters Alice Kornhauser and Hannah Lowens-Marchetti, and sister Susan Ungar. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Public Radio, Ward Pound Ridge, or Riverkeeper, all organizations which help support the things that Karen was most passionate about. A memorial celebration is being planned for March of 2012. For more information or to send the family a message of condolence, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/karenlowens