Kari Alisa Schabo

Kari Alisa Schabo, a kind and loving soul who resided in Salt Springs, Fla., passed away peacefully at home Monday, June 2, 2025 at the age of 62.

The daughter of Joseph Cleveland Schabo Jr. and Marilee Linton Schabo, she was born at Broward General Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on September 25, 1962.

Schabo, who dedicated her life to nurturing others, graduated from South Plantation High School in 1980. She attended Broward Community College, earning an associate's degree in secondary education in 1982, followed by a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science eduation, and a master’s degree in administration of vocational services at Florida International University in 1984.

She was married to William Waligunda in Fort Lauderdale in 1981. They later divorced in 1996. Her legacy of love and kindness lives on in their son, William Michael Waligunda (Ali) of Hellertown, Pa., and daughter, Mari Alisa Waligunda (Vin) of St. Petersburg, Fla., as well as her two beloved grandchildren, Olive and Sophie Waligunda of Hellertown, whose lives she enriched immensely.

She married Carlos Rodriguez of Salida, Colo., in 2003. During their 23 years together, they lived in Cooper City, Fla.; Runtun, Ecuador; and Salida, Colo., before divorcing in 2020. 

A life-long educator who dedicated her life to nurturing others, Schabo worked as a family and consumer science, food and nutrition and child development teacher throughout Broward County, Fla., secondary schools for 25 years.

Schabo loved to travel and found great joy in exploring the stunning beaches of Florida, with Hutchinson Island, Stuart, Fort Pierce, and Fort Lauderdale holding special places in her heart. This love spurred her volunteerism in numerous waterway cleanups over the years, Her adventurous spirit also led her to fall in love with the landscapes of Ecuador and Colorado, where she created cherished memories.

Like her dad and sisters, she was a lifelong baseball fan and especially loved the Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins. An avid gardener, she was so proud of her orchids. She found solace and creativity in painting, and delighted in the art of cooking, often sharing her delicious creations. Her Jack Russell terrier, Blanca, was her pride, joy and constant companion.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, those remaining to cherish Schabo’s memory are sisters Marla Schabo Abrams (John) of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; April Schabo Price (Tim) of Port St. Lucie; and Andi Schabo Apuan (Michael) of Rockwall, Texas, as well as many nieces and nephews and long-time companion Carl Smith of Salt Springs.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her maternal grandparents, Burdette Linton and Virginia Dawn Poling Linton.

Schabo was known for her zest for life, always ready for a good time, often accompanied by her characteristic laugh and the warm glow of shared moments. She will be remembered for her unwavering love, her joyful spirit and the countless ways she brightened the lives of everyone around her.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Kari would want you to take a long walk on the beach and pick up a few shells in her memory.