BERNE — Karen L. Polukort, an athlete who explored the world through hiking, biking, and skiing, died peacefully in Schenectady on Monday, April 28, 2025. She was 74.

She was born on Dec. 8, 1950, the daughter of the late Victor and Phyllis Leskowsky. She was the beloved wife of Peter Polukort with whom she shared 43 loving years of marriage.

Born in Schenectady, she worked for several years at General Electric in Schenectady and ultimately retired from the Bank of America in Albany.

“A talented tennis player in high school and beyond, Karen also enjoyed hiking, bicycling, skiing, and traveling and had an overwhelming love for animals,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Amongst Karen’s favorite memories were her trips to Switzerland and France where she biked in the French Burgundy Wine districts.

“She hiked in Switzerland, and enjoyed skiing in Utah. Karen’s love for adventure also took her to local places like the Catskills and Adirondack Mountains. Her dog hiked with her and acted as her rope tow.

“She ventured on a cross-country trip to California where she lived for a year. Travel was Karen’s love and hobby where she experienced much of the world’s culture as far as Africa and Europe.”

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Karen L. Polukort is survived by her husband, Peter Polukort, of Berne. 

Her parents, Victor and Phyllis Leskowsky, died before her. 

Family and friends are invited and may visit in the Fredendall Funeral Home at 199 Main Street in Altamont on Friday May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. A prayer service will immediately follow in the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.