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BORN

1954

DIED

2013

Karen Pfaffenbach Obituary

Karen Cooper Pfaffenbach, beloved and cherished wife of George Pfaffenbach, passed peacefully April 17, 2013 surrounded by family and friends. Karen was born on July 7, 1954, one of seven children of the late Mary and George Cooper of Glastonbury, Connecticut. Raised in Glastonbury, she graduated from Glastonbury High School as part of the class of 1973. Karen was a talented hairstylist for close to 40 years, serving many of her clients for her entire career. Karen created a warm environment, even serving home baked goodies, when she opened her own salon, The Hideaway, in Glastonbury. Born with a spirit of adventure, Karen always enjoyed the beach and being on the water. Karen was a passionate gardener, acquiring the love and clippings from her mother, Mary. Her true love, besides her husband George, was spending time with her friends and family, of which there were many.
Karen is survived by her husband George; her son, Ken and his girlfriend, Amy Scrivens, her daughter, Kristen and her husband, Dr. Rick Balotti, her brother, George Cooper and his wife, Kathy of Troutman NC, sisters, Ann Dillon of North Yarmouth, ME, Pam Shores and husband, Fred of East Hampton CT, Peggy Hobson and husband, Tom of East Hampton CT, Bunny Brown and husband, Steve of New Hartford NY, and Joanne Scanlon and husband, Donny of Rocky Hill CT . She was expecting to be a proud grandmother in the near future. Karen is also survived by many nieces and nephews to whom she opened her heart and home.
Calling hours will be on Sunday, April 21st from 4PM until 8PM in the Spencer Funeral Home, 112 Main Street, East Hampton. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 22nd at 11AM in the Spencer Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery in East Hampton. Donations in Karen's memory may be made to the Sandy Peszynski Breast Cancer Foundation, 93 East High St. East Hampton, CT 06424, Captain Grizzy Scholarship Fund, 70 Main St., East Hampton, CT 06424 or the Protectors of Animals, 216 Wopowag Rd., East Hampton, CT 06424. George and the rest of Karen's family would like to thank the staff at Hartford Hospital for their extraordinary skill and compassion throughout the last few days.
"There are people we meet in life that make everything seem magical… cherish them". To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Middletown Press on Apr. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Pfaffenbach

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April 26, 2013

I've been an client and friend of The Hideaway since 1981. Karen was a very sweet,kind,and gentle soul.I will miss her very much. A week before we lost her, she shared her coveted black jelly beans with me.There isn't any combination of words to ease the pain her loved ones are going through, only time will do that,and then they will be left with wonderful memories of a lovely human being. RIP Karen.

Francine Donovan

April 23, 2013

Peggy and Family,
We were both truly sad to hear about the loss of Karen. I don't yet know how it feels to lose a sister or brother but I can imagine it hurts. Her smile and great attitude is a class memory. May you and your family find peace in knowing she is in an angels arms.

Sue Dunn and Gary Griswold

Ginette and Larry Tagnon

April 23, 2013

We just received information about Karen. We are so sorry for all of her family. Our heart goes out to all of you. Just remember our Loved Ones are not absent they are near us transfigured into light and it is us who are in darkness. They see us but we do not see them and Karen will be always watching over you. Such a good and caring person leaving too early. Our sincere sympathy to all the family. Ginette and Larry Tagnon

Susan Young

April 22, 2013

Karen will always be with you if you keep her in your heart. That laugh, I will never forget though it has been missed as the years have gone past. To all of Karen's family members please remember all the wonderful times you shared and that you were truly blessed that she was a great soul who truly touched your life with love and beauty.

Dean & Debbie Markham

April 22, 2013

George & family: Karen will be missed by all of you and everyone that had the pleasure of her company. She was a fantistic person, the life of many a party, a person that would go out of her way to help someone in need. Our world has lost one of the good ones.

April 21, 2013

Karen a very special lady who was loved by all her clients. You worked magic on so many hair styles for the elderly.I shall never forget your kindness to my beloved sister Grace. I shall forever remember you in my prayers. Sincerly Tere DiMartino

April 21, 2013

Our thoughts are with Karens family. God bless.
Betty and Peter Dunston

Robert Mailhouse

April 21, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of this sad news here in California. As a boy I remember Karen when my mom, used to take us to Karen's mom and dads for thanksgiving dinner. Karen was always so sweet to me. She was full of energy and I remember her always smiling. I'm honored to be related to such an amazing group of coopers and I would like to send my love to that sweet family. Rest in peace Karen and thank you for a lovely childhood memory that I will never forget.

AnnMarie & Lon Davis

April 21, 2013

Dear George,
Karen's spirit will be with you always. She is your guardian angel now. She will let you know that she is looking after you. Have faith & look for her signs.

Cheryl Little

April 21, 2013

April 20, 2013

Joanne and Family -

I am so sorry to hear this news about Karen. She was a wonderful person and will surely be missed.

When a loss like this hits us,
we have not only the particular loss to mourn
but also the shattered beliefs and assumptions
of what life should be.
We can't grieve the loss if we are in the midst of
"It's not supposed to happen this way" . . .
We intellectually know that bad things happen ~
but to other people, not us,
certainly not in the world we assumed we were living in . . .

Grief is neither an illness nor a pathological condition,
but rather a highly personal and normal response
to life-changing events, a natural process
that can lead to healing and personal growth.
The transition through this difficult time
is the courageous journey.

Now you must try to start a new journey, one that has room for the
realities of the devastation of your loss that came before,
and the discovery of what will now lies ahead.

I am away in Texas and won't be back in time to make the wake.

My Love and Prayers are with all of you.

With Our Love
Cheryl, Charlie and Tanesha
Dickau / Little

April 20, 2013

George & Ken - Karen was a wonderful and loving woman. We are so sorry for your loss and are praying for your family. We have no words to express to you how much we will miss her...much love to both of you. Jody & Lisa Jensen

Christopher Blish

April 20, 2013

George, family and friends: May God comfort you during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Karen was a bright light whenever I would see her. She was warm and loving and I will hold that in me heart forever.

Elaine Schultz

April 20, 2013

I was so shocked and sad when I heard about Karen. She was fun and lively and baked great goodies at the Beauty shop. I remember her and all her siblings at Diamond Lake. God bless you and your family.

Cindi & David Coutu

April 20, 2013

George & Kenny - We are very sorry to hear about Karen. Although we didn't know her that well, she was always kind and had a smile for everyone, that smile will never be forgotten. May the warm memories help you through this time and remember, she's always in your hearts.

April 20, 2013

George&The Cooper Family: May God Bless you and send his Grace to comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Jim&Marna McTeaGUE

April 20, 2013

I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. Karen was so special! I have known her most of her life, having babysat her and then having her babysit for my own children. She was also my hairdresser for many years. She will leave a void in many lives. May God bless her and give you comfort in your sorrow.

Pat Bourbeau

crista aresti

April 20, 2013

Hi Peg and Family,

Sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Love,
Crista

April 20, 2013

Very sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you strength and peace during these had times.
Steve and Deborah Fritze

Jacquelyn Pagel

April 20, 2013

I am deeply sorry for the loss of Karen.
She was a beloved friend and my dear neighbor at the Glen Lochen Mall in Glastonbury. I could always depend on her for any advice and she was always welcoming and friendly. She will be sorely missed and my prayers are with she and her family. God bless.

Laurie Edwards

April 20, 2013

George, Kenny, and family. I'm still in disbelief that such a vibrant, caring, special person could be taken away from everyone that loved and needed her, so unexpectedly. Karen was truly a kind caring person, that recieved the same from all that new her. A life full of love, laughter, and endless friends, is now her legacy. My heart goes out to you, and may your memories be enough to carry you through this unbearable time. My thougts, and sympathy,are with you.

Jim Langdon

April 20, 2013

We loved her very much.

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