Karen Margaret Fitzgerald

Karen Fitzgerald passed away suddenly on July 31, 2023, following a brief illness.  

She was born in Buffalo, New York on April 29, 1957, to parents Charles (Bill) and Carol Sechrist.  Growing up in rural western New York state, she experienced the joy of a close-knit family surrounded by loving parents, a great-grandmother, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and childhood friends.

Karen is survived by her husband, Michael (Mike); his daughter Shannon Bennett, son Brian Fitzgerald, and grandsons Alec Bennett and Cameron Bennett; her siblings Linda, Mark (Val), Paul, and Tim (Brandi); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She worked for 36 years as an orthodontist assistant for R. Don James, D.D.S.  It was a position and a relationship that was very important to her.  Recently, she worked at Trader Joe’s, where she found a new community of supportive friends. 

Outside of work, Karen relished in the role of aunt and great-aunt; and, along with Mike, she raised several Shar Pei dogs to show and to have as pets—all of whom she adored and cared for.  They were members of the Chinese Shar Pei Club of America for over twenty years.

Karen was known for her compassion and kindness to everyone, her strong work ethic, and for loving family.

A memorial service for Karen will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:00AM in the Chapel at Westminster Presbyterian Church.