Karen Linda Coyle

She was 68. Karen was born January 26, 1948 in Orange, NJ, the only child of the late Frank and Annabelle (Leis) Grimes.

She graduated from Columbia High School in 1976 in South Orange, NJ. She stayed in touch with many of her school friends, who will miss her fiery red hair and freckles greatly. She attended Thiel College in Pennsylvania. Her favorite car during high school was a bright yellow Corvair. After school, she worked at various hospitals and medical offices in New Jersey supporting herself and two sons, until she met the love of her life, John Coyle in 1983 and married on June 22, 1985 in Summit, New Jersey. All of her children and step-children were part of the memorable wedding ceremony. Travel was always exciting when we packed two adults, five children and a large dog in the Caravan along with coolers and luggage. Summer trips to the Poconos and shore areas were her favorite vacation pastimes. The family lived in Scotch Plains, NJ until relocating to Atascocita, Texas in 1986, when her husband was transfered with Exxon Chemical Company. She continued working and was a former employee of Northeast Medical Center in Humble, Kingwood Medical Center, Humble ISD, and various medical offices. She loved to travel and visited London, Jamaica and Cozumel as well as various parks and beaches in New Jersey, Florida, Virginia, Maryland and Texas.

Affectionately known as “Nanny” to her grandchildren, she is survived by her loving husband, John, of more than 30 years; two sons; Jeffrey Burns (San Marcos, TX), Adam and wife Karla Burns (Houston, TX), step children: John and wife Kathy Coyle (Morristown; NJ), Patrick and wife Miranda Coyle (Pequannock, NJ); Deirdre Coyle (Washington, DC). Six grandchildren: Jake Hallmark (Humble, TX); Sebastian Burns (Houston, TX); Hayden Coyle, Reanna Coyle, Lia Coyle, Pequannock, NJ; Stella Coyle (Morristown, NJ); and long-time friends. She is also survived by her two loving dogs, Maizy and Spencer, who miss her bright smile and warm lap.

Karen was an avid photographer and many of her photos remain on walls and in family albums. After relocating to Atascocita, Karen spent much of her spare time volunteering with her husband as a dispatcher and EMS Paramedic at the Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department. Both Karen and John were fixtures on the Friday night EMS crew for many years. She held several command positions on the EMS staff. She was an avid pet rescuer and volunteered at the Houston SPCA and the Kingwood A.A.B.Y. Foundation (“Animals Always Believe in You” Thrift shop. During her stay in Texas, she adopted seven rescue dogs who appreciated her love and a warm loving home. Penny, a Dalmatian, was the mascot of AVFD for many years and Oreo, a retired greyhound, loved to greet people during adoption day visits with GPA. When not volunteering, Karen was an avid cross stitcher, photographer, and backyard gardener. The walls of her home are full of framed memories and her yard will continue to attract butterflies and hummingbirds for many years. Her yard was dedicated to Texas Native plants and certified as such in 1999. After breathing problems slowed her down, she enjoyed visits by her grandchildren, reading, collecting antiques and watching PBS TV shows.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Kingwood Medical Center and the AVFD ambulance crew who helped her in her time of distress. At her firm request, there will be no funeral service. She wanted to be cremated. A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life at a future unspecified time.

She will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends, near and far.

In memory of Karen, donations can be made to your local Volunteer Fire Department or animal shelter or adoption group to help more pets find good homes.