Karen Anne Coelho

Born in Norwalk, CT, Karen was the middle child of three children to Daniel and Anne Yovino. Karen graduated from Bethel High School in Connecticut and married Americo Coelho. Though their marriage later ended, they remained devoted parents to their two children.

Karen later moved to Florida where she began a career in daycare, taking care of young kids in a Kindergarten where her two children attended, enjoying her job as a part of the work family and becoming good friends with all who worked there. Karen eventually moved into a new position in the area of electronics, taking a job at Rockwell/Collins Avionics. Having a strong desire as a teenager to learn and work in the field of electronics Karen enjoyed her job and was proud of the work she produced and what she had learned and accomplished.

Over several years, Karen developed several medical issues leading to kidney disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues where she completed three hour dialysis sessions three to four times a week as needed. Despite the many trips to dialysis each week, the many doctor visits, and the struggle with 24/7 oxygen and respiratory conditions, Karen was strong and with a love for God and a love for life and family, she persevered and pushed through the pain, focusing on better days ahead.

Over time, Karen touched so many lives and was known for her kindness, strength, love for people and kids (especially her grandkids), friends, artwork, movies, homemade Italian food, watching her favorite show, Masked Singer, listening to Billy Joel, but most of all her love for God. Karen was also heavily devoted to supporting our troops, sending hundreds of packages over the decades and writing numerous soldiers and their families to let them know they were not alone. She was proud of the red, white and blue and took the time to show it!

She is remembered for her contagious laugh and enjoyed conversations with family, friends, and even strangers talking about artwork, politics, faith, her favorite shows, grandchildren, and food! As an Italian, food was always front and center! Karen kept traditional recipes ready for family and enjoyed preparing the well known comfort foods she grew up with for pasta’s, homemade sauce, meatballs and ravioli, bringing her great joy when preparing such homemade treats for everyone! Not to mention her infamous Cheesecake!

More than anything Karen enjoyed and loved her family. As a grandmother to four beautiful grandkids, they brought her the most joy imaginable. Karen constantly bragged and talked up all her grandchildren like pure sunshine. A simple hug from them meant the world to her and there was nothing more cherished.

Not without struggle or difficult times, Karen lived a beautiful life, blessed by God, and loved by many. She is survived by her brother Gary, her two children Mark ( and wife Dianna) and Keith (and wife Jennifer), her grandchildren Crystal, Breanna, Tahlia, and Dominic, and her great grandchildren, Josiah and Lily. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and older brother, Daniel Yovino, Jr.

Karen’s kindness, quiet strength, and gentle nature shall forever live in the hearts of those she knew, left behind, and loved, and will be greatly missed.