Karen Marie Anderson

Karen (McNamara) Anderson, age 60, of Bethel passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 26, 2018 due to a brain aneurysm.  She was the second child born to Agnes (Stelzel) McNamara and John Robert McNamara on August 27, 1957.  

Karen graduated from St. Mary School and later Bethel High School in 1975.  Her first job was at Ponderosa Steakhouse in Danbury where she met her forever friend and husband, Mark J. Anderson of Danbury.  They were married in June 24, 1989.  When Karen and Mark married,  her father was deceased so she played a special song for her mom, “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler.  Karen never gave herself enough credit for her own inner strength.  So now when that song is played, think of the wind beneath Karen’s angel wings and know she will help to lift us up.  

Karen was a quiet, gentle soul with compassionate heart.  When someone was hurt, she hurt.   If there was a need she could fill, she’d be the first in line to help.  When someone was happy, she shared in that joy. Karen enjoyed tag sales and having fun with family and friends.  She  loved collecting teapots and decorating the house for the different seasons.  The house was made a home by her many special touches. 

Karen worked for GE Capital/Wells Fargo for the past 34 years.  She will be missed by many coworkers.  At work, she was known for her kind, caring and sweet disposition.  She was always willing to help and was a friend to all who knew her.

The two brightest lights in Karen’s life are her amazing and compassionate children, Missy (age 26) and Erin (age 22) both of Bethel.  

One of Karen’s favorite holidays to celebrate was St. Patrick’s Day.  Just a day before her passing Karen and several family members listened to a rousing rendition of “McNamara’s Band” at a restaurant in Boston.  Karen will always be our Irish blessing.

Karen leaves behind  behind her Mom, Agnes (90), who was her closest friend and co-pilot as well as her 4 siblings. Kathy Lombardo and her husband, Frank, John McNamara and his wife , Karen, Mary Churchill, and Barb McNamara.  She will be sorely missed by her nieces and nephews:  Katrina, Jeff, Shawn, Brendan, Jonathan, Gregory, Stephanie, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Daniel and many cousins, relatives, and friends. 

We want to thank Karen’s friend of 38 years, Steph, for her love and support.  It means the world to us that you have been and continue to be a part of our family.  Maureen and Russ...what can we say?  Whatever needs to be done you do with love and compassion.  You have our deepest gratitude.  There are so many people to mention and we apologize that we just aren’t able to do so.

There are no calling hours.  The funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s in Redding, CT on Wednesday, April 4th, at 11:00am.  Please join us after the funeral Mass for a luncheon at Armando’s Restaurant at 47 Stony Hill Road in Bethel, CT.  Internment will be private. 

Right to the very end of Karen’s life, she was a giver.  Several of her organs have been gifted to needy recipients.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brain Aneurysm Foundation or Organ donation at organdonor.gov.  Even if a monetary donation cannot be made, please consider registering as an organ donor.  You may literally save a life.

May the road rise to meet you, 

may the wind be ever at your back. 

May the sun shine warm upon your face, 

and the rains fall soft upon your fields. 

And until we meet again, 

may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

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