Karen Siegal

Karen F. Siegal, loving wife and mother, born May 31st 1947, died peacefully on Monday, December 18th, 2023. She is survived by her husband, Martin F. Siegal of Monroe, New Jersey, and two sons, Eric M. Siegal, of Bradley Beach, New Jersey and David C. Siegal of Washington D.C., and many beloved cousins and friends.

After graduating from Irvington High School in 1965, she went on to graduate Ohio State University with a degree in Sociology. Later she earned a second degree from Temple University in Occupational Therapy graduating Summa Cum Laude, which would become her professional love. Karen was chief of Occupational Therapy for Overlook Hospital, and after the birth of her children, she became an occupational therapist for various VNAs. Karen took great pride and care in helping those who through injury or poor health needed new ways to thrive and remain independent. Karen was honored by the Occupational Therapy Association for inventing a device to assist stroke patients with their therapeutic needs.

At a New Year’s Eve party, Karen met the love of her life who would become her husband. She was fond of saying that when she met Marty she told her friends,“I met the man I am going to marry.” They married on August 10th, 1975. Karen would give birth to two sons, Eric and David, and loved nothing more than being their mother. And they loved her back just as much.

Generous in spirit and hospitality, Karen loved to host parties, summer bbqs, and the Jewish holidays. Cooking for her family and friends was one of her great pleasures in life. Despite her many illnesses over the years, she never lost her optimism or desire to be there for friends and family. She would say “although I was not blessed with good health, I was blessed with wonderful friends and family.”

Karen was also active in the jewish community. She was a life member of the National Council of Jewish Women, and a former member of the Mountain Jewish Community Center, later renamed Temple Har Shalom of Warren Township, New Jersey. Always thinking of others, she sent rainbows to brighten the spirits of anyone in the community that she heard was sick. For years she organized and sent out the temple’s tribute cards for years and created the Campus Connection, where the sons and daughters of congregants received a box full of judaica on major jewish holidays.

Funeral services will be privately held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital or New York Presbyterian Hospital.