Karen Zador Berretta

Karen Zador Berretta, on December 13, 2025, of Bellmawr, age 69. Beloved wife of the late Larry Berretta. Devoted mother of Gianna Cieslak (Matthew). Dear sister of Lisa Zador and the late Stephen Zador. Loving cousin of Cindy Scarpato, John Scarpato, Gregory DiDonato, and the late Amelia DiDonato. Also survived by her nieces, Heather Zador and Tara Zador.
Karen was a woman whose life centered around love, creativity, faith, and family. She was born with the middle name Amelia and later chose the middle name Zador in order to keep and honor her maiden name after she was married. Karen was a woman of faith who loved Jesus, and her beliefs guided the way she lived through kindness, generosity, and a positive spirit. She was deeply devoted to traditions and family values and found great joy in bringing loved ones together. Karen had a passion for crafting, was an excellent cook, and truly loved hosting gatherings, always creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and incredible food. She approached life with a positive attitude, finding joy in even the smallest moments and facing everything with optimism and grace.
Karen especially loved hosting dinner parties, most of all on holidays, when bringing family and friends together meant the most to her. She took great pride in entertaining and set her table with the finest China and crystal glasses she had carefully collected over the years, creating a dining experience that felt both elegant and welcoming. Her dining room table was always decorated to the nines, complete with a beautiful centerpiece, thoughtfully placed little knickknacks along the center, and her gorgeous China perfectly arranged. Every detail mattered to Karen, and gathering loved ones around a beautifully set table, especially during the holidays, brought her immense joy.
Karen's love for fashion and fine jewelry was inspired by her grandmother, Amalia Galli, whom the family lovingly called "Diamond Lil." Her grandmother's elegance and skill as a seamstress deeply influenced Karen and shaped her timeless sense of style. Karen loved getting dressed up and took great pride in her appearance, especially enjoying her fine jewelry. Her favorite color was purple, a shade she loved wearing year-round. In the winter, she could often be found in her cozy purple UGG boots and sweatshirts, and in the summer, she loved her Adidas slides and band t-shirts, embracing comfort and style in a way that was uniquely her. Her favorite perfume was Oscar de la Renta, a scent that will forever be associated with her elegance and warmth.
That connection to her grandmother felt especially meaningful when Gianna found her wedding dress. Both Karen and Gianna felt it was a sign that the dress designer's name was Amalia, the same name as the grandmother who inspired Karen's love for fashion. It was a full circle moment that Karen cherished deeply, knowing that her grandmother's influence lived on through her and into her daughter's most special day.
Karen loved music and had many favorite musical artists throughout her life. Among them, The Beatles held a special place in her heart, and Here Comes the Sun was her favorite song, reflecting her hopeful spirit and love for life.
Karen's love for the Philadelphia Eagles was inspired by her beloved Uncle Gally, who was the biggest Eagles fan in the world. Watching the Eagles together became a cherished family tradition, with Karen and Uncle Gally cheering side by side each Sunday. He took great joy in knowing that she "loved his Eagles," as he would proudly say. After his passing, Karen kept that tradition alive by gathering her family to watch the Eagles every Sunday at her home, continuing the connection, love, and memories they shared. From that point on, Karen proudly became the biggest Eagles fan in the world. Every Sunday, she dressed for the game in a new Eagles t-shirt, always perfectly paired with matching earrings and a festive pom-pom. Game days were filled with excitement, tradition, and family, and Karen's joy and spirit made every Sunday feel special.
Karen was born and raised in South Philadelphia before moving to Bellmawr at the age of nine. She grew up alongside her sister, Lisa, and brother, Stephen, with their parents, Hilda and Stephen. Her cousins Cindy and Johnny, with their parents John and Gertrude, and her cousins Amy and Greg, with their parents Gally and Lynn, were also a constant part of her life. Karen's grandparents, Nanny and Grandpop, lived in Philadelphia as well. Together, this close-knit family spent many cherished summers in Wildwood, where their shore houses were right next to each other and lifelong memories were made by the sea. After the families sold their Wildwood homes, they continued those summer traditions in Bellmawr, where they all moved and lived on the same street in three neighboring homes. An in-ground pool became the heart of countless gatherings, parties, and joyful days spent together. Those summers were filled with laughter, family, and memories that Karen treasured throughout her life.
Karen shared a lifelong and deeply special bond with her sister, Lisa, with whom she grew up and shared countless cherished memories. When Lisa would visit, the house would come alive with cooking, singing, and dancing in the kitchen to music. Their cousin Cindy often joined them, and the three would laugh, cook, dance, and enjoy one another's company, creating joyful memories filled with love. Karen and Lisa also shared beloved holiday traditions together, including watching many Christmas movies including White Christmas and A Christmas Carol.
Karen shared a deeply special bond with her nieces, Heather and Tara, her brother's daughters, who meant so much to her. After the passing of her brother, Karen stepped into their lives with unwavering love and care, making them feel like her own daughters. She loved Heather and Tara as if they were her own children, always offering guidance, support, and a constant presence. Their relationship was rooted in love, protection, and devotion, and Karen cherished them deeply.
Cape May later held an especially sacred place in Karen's heart and was truly her happy place. It was where she, her husband Larry, and her daughter Gianna spent every summer together, whether on extended vacations or cherished day trips. Karen loved going out to eat in Cape May, especially enjoying French toast with berries at The Mad Batter for breakfast and filet mignon at The Washington Inn for dinner. She could sit on the beach listening to the waves all day long, completely at peace. She enjoyed walking the Washington Street Mall while shopping and loved sitting on the Grand Lawn at Congress Hall. Cape May was Karen's favorite place in the world and will forever hold a special place in her heart.
Above all else, Karen's greatest joy was being a mother. From the moment she learned she was going to have her daughter, everything in her life revolved around her. She wanted her deeply and devoted herself fully to motherhood. Karen was involved in every aspect of her daughter's life, supporting her through childhood, her dance career, and every stage that followed. She celebrated every milestone and accomplishment, and no moment was too small to be recognized. Birthdays and special occasions were always marked by thoughtfully planned and joyful celebrations.
Karen and Gianna shared a bond that went far beyond that of mother and daughter. They were deeply connected and often able to understand one another without words, reading each other's minds and hearts. They were two halves of the same person, inseparable and completely in tune with one another. Their closeness grew into a beautiful friendship, and they became best friends who shared everything. Their relationship was rare, special, and something to be admired and cherished by all who witnessed it.
Karen and Gianna cherished many special traditions together. They loved watching Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night and looked forward to all of the award shows that aired throughout the year. They especially loved going to Broadway shows together, creating unforgettable memories filled with excitement and joy. Karen's favorite Broadway show was Wicked, which held a very special place in her heart.
Karen and Gianna also cherished the simple moments they shared together. They loved cooking and baking side by side, spending summer days swimming in the pool, going for drives, and listening to music together. These everyday moments were filled with laughter, conversation, and love, and became some of the most meaningful memories of their lives together.
Growing up, Karen was deeply involved in Gianna's schooling and activities. She attended every cheerleading game and competition, every choir performance, every dance recital, dance competition, and dance performance. Karen could always be found sitting front center taking pictures at every one of Gianna's performances and games, never missing a moment and cheering her on with pride. She loved being a dance mom and cherished preparing Gianna for performances, carefully organizing costumes and sewing and pinning anything that needed to be adjusted. Karen also served as a Girl Scout leader and frequently chaperoned class trips, forming close relationships with Gianna's teachers, always ensuring her daughter felt supported, encouraged, and celebrated.
One of Karen's happiest and most meaningful seasons of life was celebrating her daughter Gianna's wedding. From the engagement party to the bridal shower and through every detail of the wedding itself, Karen joyfully hosted and planned each event with care, intention, and love. There was not a single detail she overlooked. Karen and Gianna shared countless joyful moments while wedding dress shopping together, traveling nearly every weekend to North Jersey to Castle Couture for fittings and try-ons, where Karen lovingly purchased Gianna's wedding dress. Those trips were filled with laughter, pride, and love and became some of the most treasured memories they shared. Karen loved Gianna's husband, Matthew, deeply and was filled with gratitude knowing her daughter had found someone who loved her so completely. She celebrated their marriage with overwhelming pride, joy, and love, and she was incredibly proud of the woman she raised Gianna to become.
Karen shared a deeply special bond with her son in law, Matthew, whom she welcomed with open arms. Matthew lovingly called Karen "Mom," and Karen proudly referred to him as her son. They spent many evenings together watching Jeopardy! and every Sunday cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles. Karen and her husband Larry often expressed that they felt God could not have sent a better husband for their child.
Karen's love extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a second mother to many of her daughter's childhood friends, lovingly known to them as "Momma Berretta." Her home was always open, always welcoming, and always full of laughter, food, and comfort. She had an extraordinary way of making everyone feel loved, supported, and at home.
Karen was proud of her Italian and Ukrainian heritage, which she honored through food and tradition. She hosted every holiday, making family gatherings a cherished constant. Every Sunday, she lovingly prepared her famous Italian gravy and meatballs. Each Christmas, she made her special Christmas gravy with spare ribs, sausage, and meatballs. Every January, Karen celebrated her Ukrainian heritage by hosting Little Christmas in honor of her late father by inviting family and friends into her home to share in the culture and joy of the season.
Karen's love for Christmas was unmatched, and her home transformed into a true winter wonderland each holiday season. She proudly displayed her massive nutcracker collection along the fireplace and decorated multiple Christmas trees throughout her home, including a Disney themed tree in the family room, one at the bottom of the steps, and her beloved parlor tree, often referred to as her "window display tree." That tree was filled with her carefully curated ornament collection, with not a single space left empty. Before his passing, Karen and her husband Larry worked together to decorate their home inside and out, with Larry even receiving town awards for his exterior displays.
Karen also cherished her lifelong friendships with her "Triton Gang," her closest friends from high school. She loved spending time with them going out to dinner, attending events, and sharing countless laughs and memories. They were such a rock for her after the passing of her husband, Larry, providing strength, comfort, and unwavering support. Their loyalty and devotion meant the world to Karen. Since her passing, they have continued to surround her daughter, Gianna, with the same love and care.
Karen also formed many meaningful and lasting friendships during her career at the law firm, Blank Rome. She made numerous friends there who remained an important and cherished part of her life, each holding a special place in her heart. The relationships she built during her time at Blank Rome extended far beyond the workplace and became lifelong friendships that she deeply valued.
It was at Blank Rome that Karen met Anne Hendricks, Maureen McCormick, and Lisa Lewis, who went on to become her closest friends. Karen, Anne, and Maureen affectionately called themselves "The Chickens," a friendship rooted in laughter, loyalty, and love. They shared many cruises, vacations, and adventures together, creating countless joyful memories. Over time, Lisa Lewis was proudly inducted into what they lovingly referred to as the "Chicken Hall of Fame," and together the four became one inseparable Chicken group. Lisa was far more than a friend and truly like a sister to Karen, and the bond they shared was built on unwavering support, constant communication, and genuine love. This special group brought Karen immense happiness and comfort throughout her life.
She had a deep love for photography, especially capturing nature and the people she loved. Karen could often be found behind the camera at gatherings and celebrations, preserving moments so they could be cherished forever. She loved planning parties and paid close attention to every detail, making each event feel special and meaningful. Karen loved art especially Thomas Kinkade paintings. She was drawn to their warmth, light, and timeless beauty. Karen also loved to write in her journal, faithfully recording her thoughts and the moments of each day, reflecting on life with gratitude and intention.
Karen was a devoted animal lover and shared her life with many beloved dogs and cats. She especially adored her grand kitties, Jelly and Luna, owned by Gianna and Matthew. She leaves behind her cherished dog, Paris, who will now be lovingly cared for by Gianna and Matthew.
Karen will be remembered for her faith, her devotion to family traditions, her generous heart, her positive spirit, and her unwavering love. Above all, she will be remembered as a devoted mother whose daughter was truly the center of her world.
There will be a viewing on Saturday from 9:15am to 11:15am at Gardner Funeral Home- Runnemede. Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00pm at St. Joachim Parish, Annunciation BVM Church, 601 W Browning Rd, Bellmawr. Interment, New Saint Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Karen's memory to 4 Paws Dog Rescue of NJ https://www.4pawsnj.org/