A diminutive woman with a quiet voice lilted in kindness, Karen Nadolski stood tall as an advocate for people with disabilities, according to her husband, Duane. Mrs. Nadolski, 81, of Port Washington, died Tuesday, March 8, from complications of ovarian cancer. "Her hallmark was kindness and care for not only children, but she had a great compassion for the developmentally disabled," said her husband of 57 years. Mrs. Nadolski built a legacy of kindness as the founder and steadfast force behind the Friendship Club, a local faith-based organization that matches developmentally disabled adults with mentors for socialization and a variety of life-enhancing activities, Duane Nadolski said. "It has grown and is still going today," he said of the organization. In addition to her 15 years as leader of the Friendship Club, Mrs. Nadolski served a stint as chairman of the board of Portal Industries, an organization that provides employment and other services for people with disabilities. She also served as a volunteer for Ozaukee County ARC and the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Ozaukee County. "She always maintained the dignity of an individual – regardless of their shortcomings – should be recognized by all," Duane Nadolski said. Her advocacy for people with disabilities was recognized with an award from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. In 2002 she was a unanimous choice for the Ozaukee County Volunteer of the Year award presented by the Educational Foundation of Ozaukee Bank. "Her motto was that you never pass up an opportunity to lend a hand," Duane Nadolski said. Mrs. Nadolski was born on July 15, 1934, in Glenbeulah to Ralph and Alice Anderson. The youngest of six children, she grew up in Cedar Grove and finished as valedictorian of her high school class before attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, from which she graduated with honors with a degree in elementary education. She met her husband while at UW and their relationship was established on the 50-yard line at Camp Randall Stadium. As Mr. Nadolski explains it, his future wife was a senior with season tickets at midfield. As a freshman, he had tickets in the end zone. "My roommate went with Karen's roommate and they wanted to sit together, so he asked me if I would sit next to Karen. I wasn't about to pass up tickets on the 50-yard line," Duane Nadolski said. The love affair with the Badgers blossomed into an affair of the heart. They were married on June 21, 1958, in Plymouth, and have followed the Badgers since, including trips to the Rose Bowl during the team's renaissance in the 1990s. After teaching fifth grade in Madison while her husband completed his degree, Mrs. Nadolski stepped away from her career to raise six children. Her daughter, Kathleen Nadolski, said her mother's legacy is one of selfless service to her family and the community. "I believe she really did always think about other people and their needs before her own," Kathleen Nadolski said. "She also saw the good in everyone. "She was truly selfless. She personified unconditional love." Once her children reached school age, Mrs. Nadolski returned to education as a part-time teacher of homebound students in the Port Washington-Saukville School District. She and her husband were members of the Gourmet Group – four couples who hosted themed culinary events on a rotating basis. Each meal involved extensive research and culinary skill, according to Mr. Nadolski. In their retirement years, Mrs. Nadolski and her husband traveled extensively. She also delved into quilting and created several tapestries destined to become family heirlooms, her husband said. She is survived by her husband and six children, Kathleen of Cudahy, David (Theresa) of Menomonee Falls, Edward (Jacqueline) of Burlington, Kristine (Bruce) Tayloe of Waukesha, John (Shelley) of Austin, Texas, and Andrew of Grafton. She is further survived by 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. "She was a gentle, peaceful spirit, but with a core of iron," Kathleen Nadolski said. "I'm amazed when I think of all the people she touched in such a special way." A Memorial Mass will be held at 5PM on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St. in Port Washington. The family will receive visitors at the church on Tuesday from 3-5PM. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Parish Mausoleum. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com . The family has suggested memorials to Balance Inc., Grafton, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities (http://balanceinc.org) or the Port Washington Friendship Club.