Karen Joy Hejl

Karen Joy (Andrews) Hejl, a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away of natural causes at Medical City North Hills hospital on March 17, 2025, at the age of 79. She was born in Bridgeport, CT, on October 14, 1945 to Eva and Warren Andrews.

Karen’s family moved to Arlington, TX in 1950. She graduated from St. Maria Goretti Catholic School in 1960, and Arlington High School in 1964. She moved to Houston, TX in 1968 with former husband Robert Hejl, then moved to Carrollton, TX in 1986, and Coppell, TX in 1992. Karen worked within the steel industry most of her career, retiring in 2015.

Karen was a dedicated mother to her son, David Hejl, and a cherished grandmother to her beloved two grandchildren, Nicholas and Katherine Hejl. She was known for her unwavering independence, her nurturing spirit, and her ability to always put her family first. Karen found immense joy in spending time with her son, daughter in-law, and grandchildren, creating lasting memories through shared laughter, games, and simple moments of connection.

Beyond her role as a mother and grandmother, Karen loved gardening, doing crosswords every day, and taking care of her many fish and cockatiel, Elvis. She was a kind and generous person who touched the lives of many.

Karen was survived by her beloved family, son David A. Hejl, daughter-in-law Jennifer A. Hejl, two grandchildren Nicholas D. Hejl and Katherine R. Hejl, of Houston, TX, former spouse Robert A. Hejl, of Dallas, TX, father to son David, brother John W. Andrews, of Rockport, TX , and sister Kim A. Murphy and brother-in law Brian Murphy, of Arlington, TX. She was preceded in death by parents Warren H. Andrews and Eva A. (Fortier) Andrews.

A memorial service in honor of Karen will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home, 400 Freeport Pkwy, Coppell, TX followed by a reception at the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wings of Love Bird Haven (bird-haven.org).