Karen Ann Skelley

Our beloved Karen Ann Skelley took her last breath on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the age of 67. She was born July 7, 1956, in New London, the daughter of the late Thomas John Daniels and Anna Virginia Daniels. Growing up in Waterford, Connecticut, she often rode her bike throughout her neighborhood with friends and spent many sunny days at one of her favorite places, the beach. Karen was a 1974 graduate of Waterford High School and then went on to graduate from Bryant University in 1978. She loved her time at Bryant and enjoyed being a young, free-spirited college student.

She is survived by her husband and best friend, Robert Skelley, who was her steadfast companion as she battled cancer for over 20 years. Since their mothers were best friends, they grew up together as infants and shared many memories over the years, including motorcycle rides, teaching Karen how to ski, attending concerts, moving to Boston, and in time committing to be partners for life for 44 years. While they were married, they accomplished many things such as; building multiple homes, raising livestock and farming together. Their dream of becoming parents came true when they adopted two daughters who survive her, Breanna Daniels Skelley and Cassandra Daniels Skelley. One of the best parts of Karen’s life was raising her girls. She cherished not only the special occasions but simply being a part of their lives. Some of her favorite pastimes included; holiday baking, being with her furry-friends, tropical vacations, Bruins hockey games, Jimmy Buffet concerts, late night movie marathons, gardening, and beach days. Karen was a very special mother and will be profoundly missed. In addition to her husband and children, Karen is survived by her cousins; Patricia Conti, Linda Daniels and Kathleen Dorr; Diane Daniels, sister-in-law of her late brother, Thomas J. Daniels Jr., and their three children.

Karen was very close to her father up until his passing in 2002. From a young age, he taught her the importance of hard work and getting an education so she would be strong, independent and comfortable going out into the world on her own. One of her many admirable traits was the ability to pick up a skill and learn it quickly, which is exactly how she found herself working in the computer finance world. Her successful career came to an end when she retired as a Senior Analyst at The Hartford, after 20 plus years of service. Those who knew her well at work would describe her as thorough, knowledgeable, and dependable while also knowing she had a fun-loving personality and happy-go lucky attitude.

Karen’s friendships encompassed all aspects of life, and each was special to her. From having girls’ nights, frequenting Jazzercise, and dance classes, catching up with coworkers, and even impromptu lunch dates, Karen was up for it all. She lived a full life and knew the importance of having fun. She was also a very caring person and always made herself available if you ever needed support, advice or just a lending ear. She was blessed with wonderful friendships.

Karen will be remembered for her tie dye shirts, crazy curly hair, loud rock 'n' roll music, love for her dogs, the ocean and most of all, her outlook on life. Please honor her by living life with no regrets and spending time with the people you love.

A memorial service will be privately held at a later date. If you would like to honor Karen and the family, please consider donating to the organization, Families of FANA. An organization that made her dreams of having a family come true. http://familiesoffana.org/donations/