Karen Olive (Gulaker) Keathley

Karen Olive (Gulaker) Keathley graduated to her heavenly home on May 10, 2021 after a lengthy illness.  She is survived by her husband Don of 53 years, daughter Nichole of Rockfall, son Aaron of Durham, granddaughter Kayla of East Hampton and two grandsons, Tristan and Dylan of Branford. 

Karen began life as the daughter of Leonard and Mary Olive (Fitzgerald) Gulaker on June 15, 1943 in Winchester, Massachusetts.  Shortly after graduating from Winchester High School she joined American Airlines as a stewardess based in Los Angeles where she resided when she met her future husband Don, a business traveler, and they were married on September 23, 1967 in Winchester.  They spent a short time in Fairfax, VA before moving to Pennsylvania where Nichole was born.  A few years later they moved to Connecticut where Aaron was born. They settled in Connecticut where they would remain, working at Chiarappa Jewelry for almost 20 years and then later for Mortgage Lenders, both of Middletown.

Karen spent as much time as she could at the family’s summer cottage on Lake Manning in Gilmanton Iron Works, NH. Moments with her family at the lake were some of the most joyous of her life. She especially loved the beautiful sight and sound of the pair of Loons that were always on the lake and the awe of the baby loon trailing along.  Karen loved animals. She showed Appaloosa horses with her daughter, Nichole. She tended to various cats and always had a small dog, the last of which was Homer who was her favorite.

Karen was an active member of the Third Congregational Church of Middletown helping wherever needed to further the work of the church.  Some of the dearest friends she leaves behind are members of her church family. She leaves many friends and loved ones from other walks of life, too many of which to name all of them here. Her loving spirited character brought joy to so many in a wonderfully, unique way. 

A memorial service will be held outside on June 19, 2021 at 10:00 am at Third Congregational Church, 94 Miner Street, Middletown . To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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