Karen Kraham Roma

Karen Kraham Roma, 67, of Hillcrest, beloved mother, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 19th. Karen will be remembered as a woman of quiet grace and gentle kindness. She carried within her a deep capacity for reflection and care. Her tender heart and thoughtful spirit left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.

Born on August 22, 1957, in Johnson City, NY, Karen spent her childhood in Hillcrest, running back and forth between her home and the Hillcrest Soda Spa, an old-fashioned soda fountain her parents owned, and a place filled with warmth, community, and family ties. Those early years instilled in her a deep love of family and nostalgia, and an appreciation for the simple joys in life – values that stayed with her throughout her years.

Karen graduated from Chenango Valley High School in 1975, and went on to earn her degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Potsdam.

After college, Karen worked as a legal secretary, but later she truly found her calling as a highly respected antiques dealer whose discerning eye and deep knowledge brought history to life for those around her. She had an extraordinary ability to recognize the beauty and significance in objects, preserving their stories and connecting them with a new generation of caretakers. She also found joy in her work at several retail shops, including The Sunflower Shop on Front Street, and most recently, at Your Needful Things in Hillcrest, where she was cherished by colleagues and customers alike. There, she curated a booth called “Cora’s Corner” in honor of her mother, whom she had cared for lovingly in her later years. The shop became not only a place where Karen shared her passion for antiques, but also a community where she built lasting friendships. That same devotion to history extended to her own family, where her love of genealogy kept cherished memories and connections alive for those who came after her. At home, Karen also found great joy in the companionship of her cats, whose presence brought her comfort, laughter, and affection throughout her life.

Above all, Karen’s greatest devotion was to her son, Christopher, with whom she shared a lifelong bond of love, care, and companionship. Her love for her son was steadfast and immeasurable, and her unwavering presence and devotion stands as a testament to her love.

Karen is predeceased by her parents, Paul and Cora (James) Kraham, and two brothers, Michael Kraham and Jeffrey Kraham. She is survived by her cherished son, Christopher Roma, and many dear friends and extended family, including several nieces and nephews, and her sisters-in-law, Marcia (Goebert) Kraham and Wallis (Transue) Kraham.

In her final months, Karen was surrounded by the same kind of love and care she had always given others, most tenderly by her best friend Judy Rose, whose devotion and friendship brought her comfort and peace.

Calling hours will be held at Wm Chase and Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Binghamton, on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM, followed by a service to celebrate Karen’s life at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the S.P.E.A.K. Animal Sanctuary/Cat Shelter.