Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Karen KLINGENSMITH Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen KLINGENSMITH
Sarah Jane Hughes
April 10, 2011
As I have written to Evan and Glenn, Karen was one of my favorite classmates at Mount Holyoke College from 1967 to 1971. She was one of the first people I met and gave me hours of enjoyable chats over the course of the four years. I will never forget her wonderful smile, her zest for life, or her warm heart. Everyone who knew Karen even briefly will long remember her dancing eyes, her keen sense of humor, and her intellectual gifts and common sense.
I am so sorry that I did not get a chance to say goodbye.
Sarah Jane Hughes
Bloomington, Indiana & Edgartown, Mass.
February 16, 2011
Glenn and Evan, I just learned of your mom's passing in the Mount Holyoke Alumnae Quarterly. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I haven't seen your mom since our college days, but I remember her well and fondly. I think we took all of the same English classes. She was smart and down to earth with a great sense of humor - much needed in those challenging courses!
My sympathy to you and your family.
Mary Gale, MHC '71
Jodi Fyfe
September 9, 2010
Dear Glenn and Evan ~ I was saddened to recently learn of your Mom's death and want to offer you and yours my deepest sympathy. Glenn - I'm not quite sure how your Mom and I first met - whether it was my connection to you at GHS (where you so often and so kindly helped me out with many computer questions!) or when your Mom and I served together on the Youth and Family Services Board. I always had such great respect and admiration for her and for her strong commitment to our town, especially its school system and Glastonbury's outreach to youth and families! I feel blessed to have known her and am sure so many others feel likewise. Thanks to you both for sharing her with us all. Please know that you're in my heart.
Nancy Griffin
September 7, 2010
Karen's parents, Florence and Ken, built their comfortable brick home around 1960 across the road from our Dayton Road house. I remember the buzz in the neighborhood, about the new family coming in. It seemed too good to be true that there'd be a girl my age and she even came with a little brother for my younger brother to play with.(that's you, Keith). In those days, kids were sent outside to "play" without further instructions, until the various bells or mom calls rang out into the dusk to call us home for dinner and homework. The moms were all "at home" and the dads all seemed to work at Pratt & Whitney. Karen is a fixed star in my childhood memories, right in the midst of all the drama that a pack of kids can concoct as we went about the business of arguing over the rules for our games of kickball and softball or other inventive mischief, with the age hierarchy denoting who had authority.
When we went separate ways during our college years I never saw Karen again. I'm so very sorry she is no longer with us. She and her family live on in my heart and warm childhood recollections. I can still smell the sweet fragrance emanating from Florence's kitchen on her baking days as we stopped to fetch Karen on our walk to the school bus. (Florence made her own donuts sometimes which was exotic to the rest of us). It sounds like Karen was able to hold onto her childlike wonder, perhaps nurtured during those salad days on Dayton Road.
David Bradley
September 6, 2010
Glenn and Evan - I was very sorry to hear about your mom. I was a classmate of hers in high school and took her to our senior ball. She always had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh but also a tremendous sense of committment to the things in which she believed. It is so sad to lose someone that young but I believe you will be able to feel her presence with you whenever you need it for as long as you both live. My best to you both.
August 31, 2010
My heart is broken. The last time I saw Karen was at our grandparents' house, over 40 years ago. Even though our paths took us in very different directions, I always regretted not having gotten to know her as a vibrant adult, a wife and loving mother. She was kind enough to offer her condolences when my father, her Uncle Tom, died a few years ago. I will always wonder about the blessing her friendship would have been. My heart goes out to Evan, Glenn and my cousin Keith. I will keep Karen in my heart and memory as long as I live. I will take comfort in knowing that she walks now in the Garden of God, and if we're lucky, we'll feel her breath on our cheeks as she wafts back to us kisses from the Kingdom of Heaven. With all my heart and sympathy, Karen's cousin. (Sandra Klingensmith - Phoenix, Arizona)
Pamela Merwin
August 27, 2010
Dear Evan and Glenn,
Your mother was one of those rare human beings who made everyone feel like family. Hold your memories close and embrace the love of family and friends. Reaching out in love,
Mrs. Merwin
Christy Brown
August 26, 2010
Glenn and Evan, I am so sorry for your loss. You mother was a role model for me in so many ways. Her keen intellect, love for education and devotion to you both was so evident. I admired her hard work on the Board of Education. She made many lasting contributions to the educational system in Glastonbury.
August 26, 2010
Karen and I were close friends as young girls... I have many fond memories of our times together and am greatly saddened by this tragic loss... I send my deepest sympathy to her family. May God Bless you all... Carol Newton
Pat Saddlemire
August 24, 2010
Glenn and Evan,
Thank you so much for inviting us to share an evening of remembrance for your Mother. Everyone who spoke offered a different perspective of a highly talented and multi-faceted person who offered energy and passion to her community and to her family.
Both of you represent the best of who she was and she would have been very proud of you both tonight. Remember to call on all of us if there is anything we can do for you. You have a very large extended family.
August 24, 2010
Dear Evan and Glenn,
So sorry about your beloved Mom. We will be forever grateful to her for encouraging Tom to look for me. She not only helped to unite a family but took Kay and me into her home and made us feel special and welcome. No one will ever forget her blueberry pie either.
Love Ardis and Kay
Margie Johnson Ware
August 24, 2010
Being a friend of Karen's was one of the rare privileges of my life. Her tireless work on behalf of the Town of Glastonbury and Mount Holyoke College, not to mention the Democratic Party, was the outward and visible sign of her enormous gifts of intelligence, wit and commitment. The world is a lesser place without her.
Janice Bertuzzi Smith
August 23, 2010
My deepest sympathy. Karen was a favorite GHS classmate.
Chris Gullotta
August 23, 2010
Dear Glenn and Evan,
We were so sad to hear your news. Karen was a gift to our community. I will always remember the twinkle in her eyes when she was talking about both of you. You two were her universe. Know that we are thinking of you and please don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Hold on to one another as you always have. We will all be here to support you whenever you need us.
Love, Tom, Chris and Bernie Gullotta
Mary Ellen Linderman
August 23, 2010
The loss of Karen is a loss for all of Glastonbury. Her tireless work over many years to make sure Glastonbury government, schools and public treat all Glastonbury citizens equally will be missed. Her work with Glastonbury ABC program and other groups helped to make Glastonbury a better town. I'll miss your smile and encouragement Karen. Mary Ellen Linderman
Sara Ross
August 23, 2010
Having known Karen for only 2 1/2 years, it was obvious that she made an impact on everyone she came in contact with. While working for the YMCA, she made a positive difference in the lives of many children and families. She cared deeply for others. I will miss her.
August 23, 2010
Evan & Glenn, I met you both once when you were young and we visited your Mom & Dad in Glastonbury. I have very fond memories of your Mom - she & I were friends when we were in middle school and high school and she was a bright, loving & energetic person. My sincerest sympathies to you & your grandmother in your loss.
Nancy Varian- Class of '67 GHS
Boca Raton, FL
August 23, 2010
My deepest sympathy to all of Karen's loved ones. Karen was a bright remarkable woman and a classmate I shall never forget.
Patti Nelson Class of 1967 GHS.
August 22, 2010
Glenn and Evan, We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Always, Mark, Maureen, Dan and Ryan Kelley
August 22, 2010
Glenn and Evan,
I'm so sorry about your mom. She was a wonderful person. She was a great neighbor to my parents when they lived across the street from her on Three Mile Rd. She will be sorely missed.
Bruce Parkhurst
Rich, Donna, Zak Fochi
August 22, 2010
Glenn and Evan...we are so sad about your mom. We are remembering all the good times we had as you guys grew up in Glastonbury and your mom was always a part of seeing the humor in all that took place. We are thinking of you both.
Love,
Rich, Donna, and Zak Fochi
Sally Zogg
August 20, 2010
Glenn and Evan..... Words cannot even begin to express how sorry we are and how much you both are in our thoughts these last couple of days. We will remember Karen's fantastic pies, sense of humor and how much fun we all had on Yuma Drive. Karen was a wonderful sisterinlaw and a great aunt to Julie and Laura. She will be missed by us all. Love, Aunt Sally and Uncle Jerry
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Karen KLINGENSMITH's name
Memorial Events
for Karen KLINGENSMITH
How to support Karen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Karen KLINGENSMITH's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
