Karen Marie Nelligan

Karen was born February 15, 1951, in Olean, NY, the daughter of Bernard and Dorothy (Stout) Johnston. She married the love of her life, Ken, on February 18, 1967, in Olean, NY.

They moved to Ransomville, NY, in 1973, to raise their family, where they lived until moving to Maricopa, AZ, in 2015.

Karen had several jobs over her lifetime but the job that she loved the most was being a stay-at-home mom. She fulfilled a remarkable life, one filled with 5 daughters, and over 30 grand and great grandchildren. She loved the little things, like sitting out in the sunshine and the beauty of hummingbirds. She loved to cook, crochet, sew and do ceramics. She was a hoot filled with joy and laughter, and she truly gave us the best of herself. Truly, what a legacy to leave.

She is survived by her children, Ruth Attwell of Olean, NY, Kim (Ken) Caccamise of Belvidere, IL, Karianne (Patrick) Hehir of Grand Island, NY, Karena (John) Willson of Phoenix, AZ, Kristine (Brian) Rybarczyk of Hubert, NC and her niece, Suzanne Sanders, who was like a daughter to her; her grandchildren PJ(Deb) and Larena Attwell, Rachel, Anthony, Joseph (Katie) and Steven Caccamise, Jill Eide, Victoria (Jordan) Merkel, Cristie (Rob) Mokhiber, Jeffery (Bridgette) Raby, Courtney (Jesse) Ross, MacKenzie (Shawn) Womack, Nicholas (Kelsey), Anthony and Emily Hatfield and Chase Rybarczyk, several great-grandchildren; her sisters Patricia Goodman, Cindy (Pat) Martin, Laurie Jordan, Tina Johnston and her brother Neil (Deborah) Johnston.

She is predeceased by her husband, Ken, her parents, brothers, David “Butch” and Johnnie Johnston and son in law Perry Attwell.

We will be doing a celebration of life. Date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Center, 2630 W Rio Pkwy, Mesa, AZ, 85201.