Karen Licamara

Karen was born in Jersey City, New Jersey at Christ Hospital and lived and grew up in Secaucus, New Jersey where she made lifelong friends and memories. She graduated from Secaucus High School in 1983 where she excelled in dance and softball, making the varsity softball team as a Freshman. From there, she went onto Berkley College where she graduated in 1987 and got her Associates in Business.

Karen was the beloved wife of the late Anthony G. Licamara and loving mother to Marissa DiModica and her husband James. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine Rutowski, sister to Thomas and Jeffrey Rutowski, sister-in-law to Daniel and Kathleen Licamara, Shannon Rutowski, Alfred Licamara and Marilena Tibrea. Loving daughter in law to the late Anthony Licamara and Marie Licamara. She was a cherished Aunt to her nieces and nephews: Kristina, Daniel, Kate, Jack, Grace and Emilia and great Aunt to Mila Noelle. One of Karen's most treasured roles was being an Aunt. Karen was a beloved friend to so many, but had one special friendship that was more sisterly, to Margaret DeLuca-Spina, who is Godmother to her daughter Marissa.

Karen and her late husband Anthony had an everlasting love like no other. They were truly two peas in a pod. Karen and her daughter Marissa had a very special bond and the two of them were inseparable. They had a mother daughter relationship that blossomed into a true friendship. She was Marissa’s best friend. They attended numerous Broadway shows, concerts, and movies. Marissa introduced Karen to a wide variety of music, tv shows and taught her how to use social media (more than once). Marissa and Karen came as a team; if Marissa was going somewhere, you knew that Karen was very close by. Karen loved spending time with her grand-dog Stevie; playing ball, feeding the birds and being the best dog-grandma in the world.

Karen was a motherly figure to a lot of Marissa’s friends and always loved whenever they would come over for a game night of Cards Against Humanity. Karen enjoyed watching her football teams: The Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers and hosting all her friends and family with her outstanding meals and company. She also enjoyed watching her favorite movies such as The Godfather trilogy, Goodfellas and Scent of a Woman. Even if her back was killing her you could catch Karen outside either gardening, making sure everything was still in its place or complaining the landscapers did not clean up right. The day wouldn’t be complete until there were at least three or four packages from either Amazon or Shein delivered. If you were lucky enough, you would get a card for every holiday or even just a random card from her just to make you smile. Sometimes when she was texting, she would send her little emojis such as the kissing heart, red glass of wine and red heart. Karen was known for her scents, not only the house scents but her body scents. She was an avid Bath and Body Works shopper and if she could, would buy the entire store. Anyone who knows Karen knows how much of a sweet tooth she had. Sometimes in the middle of the night, Karen and her son in law James would be snacking in the kitchen together. Karen was the type of person who would give you the clothes off her back and someone who you could call at any time. One of Karen’s most favorite and loved memories was when she was younger going to her family’s lake house in Greenwood Lake. She spent countless weekends with family, including her beloved cousins, aunts and uncles, partaking in fun activities that would end in hysterical laughter.

She dedicated her life to her family and had great pride in the relationships she built and nurtured. Her love, guidance, and unwavering support will continue to live on through those who knew her best. Whenever you pick up a bottle of perfume, light a candle, or look up at the sky you may catch a glimpse of Karen.

Visitation will be held at Mack Memorial Home 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus New Jersey on Monday April 6th, from 4 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 1219 Paterson Plank Road Secaucus, NJ on Tuesday April 7th, at 9:30 am; all who would like to attend are asked to go straight to the church; as the funeral home will be private the morning of the funeral mass. Her burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery; 340 Ridge Rd. North Arlington, NJ.

In honor of Karen’s vibrant spirit, attendees are invited to wear bright colors. Purple, her favorite color, is especially encouraged.