The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Karen Niewiadonski-Kinsey Inducted 2026 - Class of 1975
Karen Niewiadomski-Kinsey grew up in the Polish Village, a neighborhood she was fond of because you could get everything you needed without having to leave the neighborhood. A 1975 Woodward graduate, Karen attended St. Hedwig’s for elementary school and later pursued her post-secondary education at the University of Toledo. She was referred to in high school as “Crazy Legs” for how she moved as a cheerleader, and Karen never stopped dancing through life.
She owned and operated D&D Dance Studio in Toledo and choreographed musicals and plays for St. Francis de Sales, Notre Dame Academy, and other various high schools and community theaters for over 35 years. Karen had a passion for dance, musicals, and theater, and that resonated with her students, whom she loved like family. Her contributions to the St. Francis de Sales drama department are honored annually with “The Karen Award.”
The memorial award is bestowed upon a high school junior involved with the drama department who wholeheartedly embodies the love of dance and performance and serves as a leader. Karen passed away on April 16, 2021, and is survived by her husband, William, step-daughter, Jaclyn
(Dylan) Kalvin, siblings, Carol (Mark) Tyson and Fr. Art Niewiadomski, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Where did you attend grade school and/or junior high school? Saint Hedwig
In what neighborhood did you live while attending Woodward? Please describe it. Karen grew up in the Polish neighborhood of Lagrange Street. She loved the neighborhood because you could get anything in the way of goods without having to leave the neighborhood
Who were your best friends while attending Woodward? Karen had many friends in high school but the ones I remember her talking about were Lynne Braddock Gramlich, Catherine Bonk Kraus and Sally Rude.
Who were your favorite teachers at Woodward? Mr. Duvendack