Obituary of Karen McWreath Soverino

Karen McWreath Soverino, 71, died January 21, 2022, in Arlington, soon after diagnosis of an aggressive form of leukemia. Born in Munich, West Germany, during the post-war Allied Occupation, she was a life-long resident of Arlington, attending Arlington schools; a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond; and, received a Juris Doctor from George Mason Law School. She was a talented artist, a passionate gardener, and was beloved by neighborhood children for her annual Halloween lawn decorations and abundant candy handouts.

In Law School Karen received American Jurisprudence Prizes for highest grades in three courses. She also received the West Publishing Company “Hornbook” award for outstanding scholastic achievement.

Karen was Surveillance Program Specialist for Independent Counsel, Office of Chief Postal Inspector; was honored in 1997 for her part in an FBI undercover investigation, which gathered intelligence against former FBI agent, Earl Edwin Pitts, who sold privileged information to the Russian government. The FBI recognized Karen for outstanding assistance in the Pitts case. He was sentenced to 27 years in prison. The case arose from the same probe that resulted in conviction of Aldrich H. Ames, CIA counterintelligence officer who sold secrets to the Russians.

Preceding Karen in death were her father, Harry McWreath II and mother, Stefanie. She is survived by her brother Harry McWreath III. 

Karen had a love for animals so in lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, may you consider a donation to your local animal shelter in her name. 

Click here to view Karen's service