As a member of the professional staff of the University of Pittsburgh Dental School Clinic, Dr. Karen Wolmark had the reputation of being a highly qualified and approachable professional who cared for her patients and their concerns.

In her private and family life, Dr. Wolmark was admired for her involvement with cultural and community organizations, including Animal Friends. She was active locally with the Y Music Society and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.

As a concert-level student violinist, she performed with the Canadian Youth Orchestra in her hometown of Montreal.

Dr. Karen S. Wolmark, of Squirrel Hill, died of pneumonia on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, in UPMC Shadyside hospital. She was 62.

"My mother was a sweet and caring woman, who was never judgmental, but willing to approach all concerns with an open mind," said her daughter, Deborah Frey of Squirrel Hill.

Karen Morton was one of three children in the family of neurologist Dr. Allan Morton and his wife, Dorothy Breitman Morton, a concert pianist and a professor of music.

Her son, Steven Wolmark of Oakland, Calif., recalled the years his mother was willing to put her own quest for a professional career on hold, while his father, Dr. Norman Wolmark, completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School.

During this period, her husband, whom she married in 1970, spent time in research with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

The Wolmarks returned to Pittsburgh in 1979. At 37, with her children raised, Karen Wolmark began her studies at the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. In 1988 she graduated at the top of her class.

She began her career at Montefiore Hospital (now UPMC Montefiore) in Oakland, before joining the University of Pittsburgh Dental School Clinic.

Dr. Wolmark's son and daughter recalled their mother's love of animals and her dedication to Animal Friends.

"Our house in Squirrel Hill was a haven for stray animals," said her son. "No stray who came to our door was ever turned away."

"It was often said by those who knew of our mother's concern for animals that strays would come to our house knowing that my mother would never turn them away," added Deborah Frey of Squirrel Hill.

In addition to her son, daughter and husband, Dr. Wolmark is survived by two brothers, David Morton of Chicago and Jeffrey Morton of Montreal; and three grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the service starts at 11 a.m. today in Ralph Schugar Chapel, 5509 Centre Ave., Shadyside.

Interment will be in Homewood Cemetery in Squirrel Hill.

Contributions can be made to Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

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