Karen Elizabeth (Kline) Jackson, 66, formerly of Port Jervis, NY, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Presbyterian Hospital in Flower Mound, TX.

Karen was born in Saint Francis Hospital in Port Jervis, NY on September 20, 1957.  She grew up in the West End of Port Jervis, NY where she attended West End School, Central Elementary School, Port Jervis Middle School and Port Jervis Senior High. In school Karen was known for pranking her school teachers by switching classes with her twin sister. Growing up in Port Jervis, she enjoyed adventures like river rafting on the Delaware River and endless games of Foosball with friends. All holidays and birthdays were shared with the many cousins in her small town.

After finishing high school Karen attended Orange County Community College. Karen then continued her studies in Houston, Texas where she graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management and Information Systems.  She went on to enjoy a long and successful career as an IT professional, holding positions such as business analyst and project manager with several major corporations, including Verizon. Karen especially loved her time working for Nokia, where she focused on business communications and management applications and had the opportunity to travel to Finland many times, a country whose culture she greatly admired.

Karen was known for her warmth, creativity, and infectious sense of humor. She had a quick wit that could make anyone laugh and a playful spirit that shone through in everything she did. Karen also had a flair for decorating and a remarkable eye for style — her homes were always welcoming, colorful, and full of life. She was an excellent cook, and family holidays at her home were always filled with laughter and delicious food.

Above all, Karen cherished being a mother. Her greatest joy was raising her son, Connor, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to making his life full of love, joy, and meaningful experiences.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen Kline of Port Jervis. She is survived by her son, Connor Jackson; her twin sister, Kathy Holfelder of Cornelius, NC; her brother, Robert (Emmett) Kline and his wife Emily of Conroe, TX; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Karen was cremated, and her family will be bringing her remains home to Port Jervis.

A graveside service  will be held 11:00AM on Saturday, October 11, 2025  at Westbrookville Cemetery, 18 Pine Tree Lane, Wurtsboro, NY 12790. Rev. William A. Harris will be officiating.  

Her family warmly invites all who knew and loved her to join in celebrating Karen’s life, sharing cherished memories, and honoring the joy, laughter, and love she brought into the hearts of everyone around her.