Wednesday, December 4, 2024
It hurt my heart to hear that Karen passed away, but in my mind, I’m picturing her back in the arms of her sweet Mom, the gracious, loving, affectionate lady I knew as Aunt Theresa when I was a child. Though miles and years have separated us in adulthood, I have thought of Karen often, always very fondly, and cherished the occasions when we saw each other.
One of those occasions was a visit Karen made to my Mom shortly before I lost her, also at 69 — too young. Karen had left roses at the grave of Aunt Theresa and brought one for my Mom. Theresa had been such an invaluable friend to my mother — kind, compassionate, generous. And that was Karen, too, of course.
I saw Karen again at Len & Jo’s Pizzeria, where we celebrated my sister Marie’s 75th birthday. She made us feel right at home and the pizza was perfect, as always. Karen’s life journey was the very definition of that elusive American Dream realized — hard-won and so well deserved.
To her devoted family (dear Millie among them), my deepest condolences. I hope you find comfort in your memories, and inspiration in the exceptional human being that Karen was.
— Jennifer Hassan
