Karen Morris

Karen Catherine Morris, born on July 27, 1946, passed away on April 24, 2020, surrounded by her children. She is survived by her loving son Terry and his wife Erin, her daughter Lynn and her husband John, her daughter Beth and her partner Scott, her grandchildren Kyle, Conor, Emily and Terry. She also leaves behind her uncle Richie and his wife Anji, her brother-in-law Hector Rodriguez, her sister-in-laws and friends Pat Delaney and Marie Lyons, along with many nieces and nephews and friends who meant so much to Karen. She was pre-deceased by her husband Terry Morris, her mother Ena Klingner, her father Henry Klingner, her sister Barbara Rodriguez, and her nephew Daniel Rodriguez.

Her story began in the Bronx, NY where at the age of 16 she met the love of her life, Terry Morris, in the local drum and bugle corps. Growing up, her children would hear stories about the drum corps and it was not unusual to see Karen and her sister Barbara performing the marching routines in the living room, while Terry pretended to play bugle, as they reminisced. Terry and Karen had a strong marriage and friendship that lasted a lifetime until Terry passed on March 14, 2004. Sixteen years later, Karen has been reunited with her friend and husband and this thought provides great comfort to her children and family.

Karen’s passion was her children. Growing up there was not a sporting event she missed. She was legendary for her “Wall of Fame” which included pictures of her kids’ sporting events throughout the years. She supported her children in listening and providing advice but allowing them to make their own decisions (and sometimes mistakes) in order to let them grow. She took pride in their accomplishments. It was not unusual for Karen to carry the business cards of her children and hand them out at the local grocery store, to her doctor, at the library, or to anyone who would listen to her talk about their successes. Her pride was always apparent, her love fierce; and all children should be privileged to be loved and supported in this way. This pride was revisited on to her four grandchildren, whose successes, honors, homeruns and goals were shared excitedly among her friends.

Karen's love of music started with the drum corps but continued throughout her life. She loved the Bee Gees and it is unlikely there is any Bee Gees song written, that her children can’t recite the entire lyrics to. She did not like to fly but enjoyed many cruises with friends and family over the years and loved being on the water. She would drive down to the local Westbrook town beach to listen to music and watch the seagulls. She loved to read, and in her retirement would often stay up to the wee hours of the morning, just to finish a good book. Her Westbrook library visits provided her the opportunity to catch the newest book to add to her repertoire. She loved to garden and gave much advice to her children over the years on plantings and designs to help grow the gardens in their homes. All three children likely have some “Bronx Hosta” still in their gardens, a Bronx transplant, just like Karen. In recent years, she loved watching her “shows” and the news. Her kids will miss her daily updates and warnings on the new drug or food recalls and the severe weather systems they should avoid.

Karen was loved by all she met. She will especially be missed by her children and grandchildren. They find peace knowing she is back with her husband, mother and sister; looking down on them, having taught them everything they needed to know in order to continue on without her here.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Westbrook Public Library (61 Goodspeed Drive, Westbrook, CT 06498).

Due to the current circumstances related to the pandemic there will be no calling hours. A small service will be for immediate family on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook, CT . A Christian Burial and prayer will be followed at Resurrection Cemetery, 1080 Horse Hill Rd. Westbrook, CT. Family and friends can attend the outside cemetery service with distancing.