Karen Margaret O'Connell

Karen was born in December 1948 to June and Charles McDermott. She is survived by her sons Patrick (Liz), Kevin (Sherman), grandchildren Catherine and Sean, brother, Charles K McDermott; nieces and nephew, Nicole (Tom), Charles (Deidre), Rachel (Sam); and her families through marriage: the Callaghan's (Kevin, Mary, Meghan, Erin) and Fitzpatrick's (Jeanine, Brendan, Maeve, Brigid).

Karen's greatest accomplishment was raising her two sons as a single mother in Seaford Harbor, New York. Alongside her mother, June, she created a home filled with love in their waterfront bungalow in the close-knit Harbor community.

After retiring from Jones Beach State Park, Karen embraced what would become her favorite role "Grandma." She devoted herself to caring for her grandchildren Catherine and Sean. She spent countless hours cheering them on at baseball games and swim meets. To everyone who knew her, she was affectionately known as "the grandma with the purple hair," a title that perfectly reflected her spirit and individuality.

Karen was a woman of deep faith who found strength and comfort in praying the Rosary. She also enjoyed life's simple pleasures and never missed an episode of The Young and the Restless. In 2024, Karen began a new chapter when she moved to Nocatee, Florida. She embraced her new community and enjoyed time spent with friends in the ceramics and travel club.

She taught those around her that love is most often shown through acts of kindness, sacrifice, and unwavering presence. While we will miss her presence and purple hair, we will especially miss gathering around the table to enjoy her famous Irish soda bread which was always made with love.