Karen Sue Galloway

She was a wife and mother whose life was centered on her family, her faith, and caring deeply for those around her.

Born and raised in Sylvania, Ohio, Karen carried with her the values of faith, compassion, and service that shaped the life she went on to build and share so generously with others.

At the heart of her life was her marriage and her children. She shared 56 years of marriage with her husband Dave, a partnership that began in the summer of 1969 and grew into a life marked by love, resilience, and deep commitment. Together, they raised three children, had their share of joys and sorrows, successes, and failures, and all the ordinary days in between. She was incredibly proud of her children, and nothing meant more to her than having all three together, those simple moments of being in the same place, just as a family.

Karen devoted her life to caring for others. As a schoolteacher, she shaped generations of young minds with patience and encouragement. After retiring, she volunteered with the Children’s Advocacy Center, welcoming children before therapy sessions with warmth and gentleness. That same spirit of service was rooted in her faith, which she lived openly and consistently, leading with grace, kindness, and compassion.

She was a gifted listener who made people feel seen and heard, offering calm, wisdom, and presence in equal measure. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: time on the water with Dave, music played on the piano or organ at church, caring for her beloved dogs, and showing up for others with quiet consistency.

Karen is survived by her husband, Dave Galloway; her three children, Bob, Mollie, and Kate; and three granddaughters Avery, Zada, and Audrey.

Her legacy lives on through them and the countless lives she touched along the way; in the values she taught, the love she gave so freely, and the example she set through a life of service and devotion.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will take place at the Church of the Resurrection in Ft Myers at 10:30AM on Friday, January 23rd. A light reception will follow at 1PM at the St Charles Yacht Club.