Karen K. McDonald

Karen (Kelly) McDonald, 74, of East Hartford, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 21, 2023. Karen grew up in Newington and was the daughter of the late Kieran and Ethel (Kindl) Kelly. She moved to East Hartford in 1973 where she resided for 49 years, moving to Florida in 2022 to be closer to her daughter Jennifer McDonald.

She worked at Chandler Evans Corp for 33 years as production planning manager. Karen loved her job, the people she worked with, and was very dedicated to her career with the company.

Karen loved spending time with her family and friends, traveling, dancing, eating out, and shopping. She loved the ocean, her travel destinations gravitated towards beautiful beaches. She was an amazing grandmother and would spend much of her time spoiling her grandchildren. She made holidays special for the entire family.

A loving mother and grandmother, Karen leaves her two children, Michael Dennis McDonald and his fiancée Laurie Swart of East Hartford, and Jennifer Caryn McDonald of Melbourne Beach, FL; three grandchildren, Christian McDonald and his girlfriend Tiffany Payer of Vernon, Ryan McDonald and his fiancée Kristina Perleoni of Tolland, and Kellen Maurus of Storrs. She also leaves her brother Robert J. Kelly of Wethersfield and his girlfriend Gail Petras-Eagleson of Middlefield; as well as her beloved caregiver Kristina Dollard who provided unconditional love and instilled joy to her life during a difficult time, for which the family will forever be grateful.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 12 pm at West Meadow Cemetery, 679 Willard Ave, Newington. Memorial donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America or reach out in kindness to someone in need. To share a memory or condolences please visit us at www.duksa.net.