Karen Marie Setaro

She was a loving wife to James Setaro and a devoted mother to Shana White of Lander, Wyoming, and Nina Setaro of Richmond, Virginia.

Karen was born on January 11, 1951 in Norwalk CT, to the late William Leo and Dorothy (McLaughlin) Leo. She grew up in Scarsdale, NY and Brookfield, CT. She graduated from Immaculate High School in 1969, and attended The Chandler School in Boston, Mass.

She went on to a career as a legal secretary and was married to her high school sweetheart, James Setaro. They were happily married for 56 years.

Beyond her professional life, Karen was known for her contagious humor, her love of life, children, music, and animals. Her undeterred retention of long time friends was remarkable.

She found joy in gardening and especially creating adventures for her young children and five grandchildren. It was always exciting when Karen would say, “I’ve got a good idea.”

She was an avid horse enthusiast since childhood. She loved bicycle riding, being in nature, summer vacations on Block Island and trips to sunny beaches in winter.

She will be remembered for her kindness and strength of character and her unwavering commitment to just principles. Her defense of the underdog and those she felt were being unjustly treated was without exception.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, whimsical creativity, and strength of character that was exceptional.

She is survived by her husband James Setaro; her children: Shana White (Chris White) and Nina Setaro (Jeffrey Snider); her grandchildren: Mason, Tyler, and Serena Schultz, and Gabriella and Giuliana White; siblings: Deborah Bennett (Bruce Bennett), Kathleen Poitras (Jay Poitras), and Timothy Leo (Catherine Leo).

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Dorothy Leo, and brothers Michael and William Leo Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm on November 1, 2025 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The Little Guild of St. Francis, 285 Sharon-Goshen Tpke., West Cornwall, CT 06796.