Karen Ann Condon, age 59, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2014, with loved ones at her side.
Born March 26, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Berthold and Caroline (Keller) Saunders.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter; Melanie Frederick of Woodbridge and Jessica and her husband Roy Seymour of Silverdale, Washington and her beloved grandson Jack Seymour and many wonderful friends.
Her passing, though incredibly hard for her family, provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate the remarkable woman she was in life. Mom, nana, aunt, daughter, sister, friend, and yes, even a non-stereotypical-mother-in-law — she wore all of these hats, and did so quite well.
Karen was incredibly smart, skipping grades as a bright child, and answering every question on Jeopardy nightly from her armchair as an adult. She was a true math whiz, and her love of numbers found her working in various bookkeeping and accounting positions over the years. She was a bookworm in its truest sense, a lifelong fan of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Her daughters remember combing through her extensive collection of tattered first editions growing up, and consequently, her love of reading was passed down to her own children.
Karen expressed her love throughout her life in so many different ways, using both her body and soul. Her fingers were just the right size to perfectly curl around a crochet needle, and she used this incredible talent to craft tiny blankets for newborns and the sick, toys for her grandson, and endless beautiful gifts for loved ones. Her hands knew the way around a kitchen, where she could always be counted on to whip up a mean batch of Swedish meatballs or Italian manicotti, even though she was German through and through!
She cooked for church festivals, for ailing friends, and for those who could not afford to feed their own families. Her soul was drawn to help anyone and everyone in need — participating in Toys for Tots drives, adopting families at Christmastime, and always purging her (ridiculously overstocked) can cabinet for local food drives.
She wore her heart on her sleeve, and left no question of just how big it truly was inside of her. Her quirks were endless, and we loved her for them. From her inexplicable love of Claxton fruitcake and the Flood of ‘55 story, to her hatred of corned beef hash and driving over bridges, her family could always look to her for a quick laugh. She was stubborn, courageous, and fiercely loyal; and her dark sense of humor was one in a million.
Though a quiet soul, she did like to live life a little on the wild side as she bravely did her daily crosswords in pen. She was always up for a game of Yahtzee on the porch on a warm summer night, or a long winding drive through the Connecticut back roads each Fall. Her daughters will be reminded of her each time they see her favorite sunny daffodils blooming in spring, catch the scent of fried clam strips by the beach each summer, and yes, probably even when they hear the opening theme song to Law & Order late at night too.
Karen’s life was colorful and inspirational, and she leaves this world a better place for having been in it. Her faith was incredibly absolute, and we rejoice that she is now enjoying a well-earned rest with her heavenly Father. She will truly be missed, as will her smile, her laugh and you guessed it — her meatballs.
A graveside service for Karen was held Saturday June 7 at 10:00 am in Kings Highway Cemetery, Cherry St. in Milford.
In lieu of flowers, Karen would have loved it if you shared your heart with those in need...feed the hungry, visit the sick, and give a little kindness to everyone you meet. May her memory be eternal!
Smith & Sefcik Funeral Home, 135 N. Broad St. in Milford, handled the arrangements.
To leave a condolence, please visit our website @ www.georgejsmithandson.com.