Karen (Jerome) Cancila

Born on November 22, 1960, in Fulton, New York, she was the daughter of Eleanor Guilfoyle Jerome and Alfred “Skip” Jerome, and granddaughter of Harold and Evelyn Guilfoyle of Fulton, NY and Albert and Lillian Jerome of Syracuse, NY.

Karen’s family moved from Fulton to Liverpool, New York when she was in her teens, and it was there where she finished school and began her career at Marine Midland Bank on the northside of Syracuse. In the early 80’s she moved to Houston Texas, where her sister, Kathy and brother, Jim were both living. She secured a position as an Executive Assistant at Aramco during Houston’s booming economy.

After a few years in Houston, Karen decided to join some of her friends in West Palm Beach, Florida. She was the Executive Assistant to the CEO of Scott Paper, Al Dunlap, famously nicknamed “Chainsaw Al.” He was also the author of the book Mean Business, where he praised Karen as an invaluable asset. Never intimidated by his reputation, she thoroughly enjoyed her time at Scott Paper and also loved living along the Florida Coast.

In 2015 Karen met and fell in love with the love of her life, Marty Cancila. They married in 2018 and lived in Boca Raton, FL for a few years, and then moved to Naples, FL. Karen said her years with Marty were the happiest times of her life.

Karen will be deeply missed by her many friends, both old and new. She always lit up the room and was loved by everyone who knew her. No one will ever forget her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and her passion for fashion.

Karen was proceeded in death by her parents and first husband, Franc Ferola. She is survived by her husband, Marty Cancila, of Naples, brother Timothy of Jacksonville, FL., brother James (Cynthia) of Austin, Texas and sister, Kathleen of Austin Texas, and several nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.

Donations may be made to the National Aphasia Association in memory of Karen Jerome Cancila.