Karen Christen McCoy

Our beloved Karen Christen McCoy, a United States Navy veteran, federal contractor and a talented artist, passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2018 at the age of 48 at her home in Columbia, MD. Karen "Christy" is survived by her children, Gabrielle Renee, Anneliese Grayce, and Logan McCoy; her parents Kevin and Linda McCoy and her siblings Kevin Craig, Kenneth Corey and Kelly Colleen. She is predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Sixtus and Lucille Bernatowicz and her fraternal grandparents, Arnold Leo and Mary Grace McCoy. Karen "Christy" was born in Maryland on October 7, 1969. She graduated from Parkdale High School in 1987 and then studied art at Prince George's Community College, class of 1990. She enlisted in the Navy in 1994 and served her country until 1998 after which she spent several years as a government contractor as a database engineer assisting on many technology projects for the federal government On April 1, 1996 and May 9, 2000 she welcomed her two beautiful daughters Gabrielle and Anneliese respectively. On October 7, 2010 she then welcomed her son Logan to the family. She always said her children were her greatest achievements in life; they brought her tremendous joy. Karen "Christy" was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to all in her life. She was a talented artist in photographic art as well as drawing, writing poetry and designing jewelry. She felt the most fulfilled when she was about to create and share her creations with others. She also had a tremendous passion for music and concert going. Throughout the years she shared her love of music with her family and friends, especially with her Dad. She loved to travel and did so on any occasion possible from Italy to San Diego and many locales in between; even if just for a day trip to Ocean City with her children. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Karen "Christy" was very active the last few years in several Veterans groups both receiving help from and providing help to many other disabled Veterans. We would request donations to be made in her honor to The Boot Campaign so that others in her situation can get the support they need. A funeral service is to be scheduled in the near future at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. She will be given honorable service that she deserves and laid to rest near her grandparents. We will communicate the timing of the service as soon as possible.