Karen Shaw Wilkinson

Karen Shaw (Nutter) Wilkinson, 74, of Ormond Beach Florida (formerly of Hopewell Junction, NY), passed away peacefully at Halifax Hospital, Daytona Beach, Florida, on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Karen was the beloved wife of Victor Nutter who predeceased her on March 27, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth Wilkinson, of Vernon, Connecticut.

Born in Milton, MA, Karen attended Brookfield High School in Connecticut. She played the clarinet in the band and acted in some challenging roles in the drama club. Karen attended Bridgwater State College in Massachusetts, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature. She worked briefly in the school system in New York and then became an underwriter at Allstate Insurance.

Karen was gregarious, genuinely interested in people and their life stories. She maintained many long-term relationships with friends, co-workers, and family members throughout her life. She and husband Victor always seemed to have one or 2 small rescue dogs to care for.

Karen also loved movies, theater, music and celebrating special events. Sentimental, she kept every Christmas or birthday card anyone ever sent. The drawers at her home are filled with memorabilia. She also had an interest in the spiritual world and the writings of Rudolph Steiner.

While living in Connecticut Karen met Victor Nutter at a Holiday Inn dance in East Hartford, CT. They were married on Aug 8, 1980. Upon retirement, Karen and Vic moved to Florida, eventually settling in Ormond Beach. They enjoyed traveling, dining out with friends, and loved the Florida weather.

Karen also was supportive to a young female child (Shirley) living in a neighbor's house while she and Vic lived in Granby, CT. They met when Shirley was 4 years old. Shirley walked into Karen's house in a snowsuit, took it off and went to see where she was, and asked for cookies and milk. Husband Victor was outside doing stuff, didn't notice the child go inside. Shirley's parents eventually came over and asked, 'Have you seen a little girl?'. Karen and Shirley have stayed connected over the years, becoming good friends.

Karen is survived by her brother, Thomas Wilkinson, and nephew Benjamin Wilkinson. In addition, her many cousins in Massachusetts will dearly miss the warmth, kindness, and laughter she brought to family gatherings.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the entire Nursing staff of Advent, Encompass, Solaris and Halifax hospital for their professional and loving care provided to Karen.

Memorial Services will be held for both Karen and her husband Vic at a future date in Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Daytona Symphony Society, Inc., at 926 S. Ridgewood Ave, Daytona Beach FL 32114, or the charity of your choice.