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Karen Cacace Obituary
June 22, 1963 - January 30, 2025
Southbury – Karen N. (Hirst) Cacace, of Southbury, passed away peacefully after a long, courageous battle with cancer, at Yale New Haven Hospital's Smilow Cancer Center on January 30, 2025. She was the loving wife of Louis J. Cacace, with whom she shared 35 beautiful years. Karen was born on June 22, 1963 in Camden, NJ, to the late Carl F. "Chip" Hirst and Claire (Ranjo) Hirst. She attended Danbury public schools and had a 36-year career as Clerical Coordinator for Nuvance Health Physical Medicine Center of Southbury. Karen lived life to the fullest, enjoying a wide variety of activities. She loved being out in nature hiking, kayaking, power walking, and planting flowers. She enjoyed vacationing in Lake George, Lake Placid, and throughout New Hampshire and Maine. Indoors, she could be found cooking, cheering on her football team, the Pittsburg Steeler's, or watching college basketball. Karen also had a talent for bargain hunting and couponing, and enjoyed shopping and getting the latest and best deals. You could rest assured that the cupboards would never be empty if Karen did your shopping! Most of all, Karen treasured her family and friends, and delighted in spending time with them. She embodied joy, love, and kindness, and her infectious smile lit up the room. To know Karen was to love her, and all who had the privilege of knowing her did. She will be remembered for her gentle and fun-loving spirit, her beautiful, bright smile, and her unwavering love for her family and friends. Left to cherish Karen's memory are her husband, Louis Cacace of Southbury, her mother, Claire, sister, Linda Donegan (Richard) of Wallingford, two brothers, Kenneth Hirst (Karen) of Wilmington, NC, and Rick Hirst (Stacey) of Davenport, FL, and her faithful 4-legged companion, rescue dog, Roger. In addition to her father, Carl, Karen was preceded in death by her sister in-law, Kathleen Hirst. Family and friends may visit Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South, Southbury, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the conclusion of the visitation, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, her family kindly asks you to consider a donation in Karen's name to Smilow Cancer Center, https://givetoynhh.org/ways-to-give , or to the Animal Welfare Society of New Milford, https://aws-shelter.org . Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury has the honor of being entrusted with the arrangements. For directions, or to leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.carpinofuneralhome.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Cacace
Sponsored by Carpino Funeral Home - Southbury.
Bill & Judy McLean
February 7, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Lou, you are in our thought and prayers.
Billy Layda
February 6, 2025
My condolences to the Cacace family on the passing of Keren. I met her through work when I visited Southbury, Always a big smile. May she rest in peace.
Michele Martinich
February 5, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Karen for the last 4 years at PMR. She was there always to help and never made you feel you where bothering her. My condolences go out to her family. She will be missed very much.
Robin Whittenberg
February 4, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of knowing Karen for 35 years. I worked in the office next door to her . I would see her almost daily and she always had a smile on her face and kind words. Even when she was feeling poorly she didn't complain and always had concern for others . I miss her smiling face and her kind words and her always positive attitude. She was the kind of person that I strive to be. My deepest condolences to her husband and family .
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Roy and Silvana Bertalovitz
February 4, 2025
Lou, we always remember your big smile and just can´t replace it with how you feel. We´ll see that smile again because you know, you´ll see hers again. Love, Roy and Silvana
Peggy Doran
February 3, 2025
I had the extreme pleasure of working with Karen at Danbury Hospital Physical Medicine & Rehab. She was truly a warm and friendly person who cared deeply about the patients and her co-workers. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing.
Debra Neeb
February 3, 2025
So sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I was always in awe of Karen and her strength . Prayers to you all
Sherri
February 2, 2025
RIP Karen. You earned your wings! Your dedication, commitment, perseverance was admirable. Your memory will always be the foundation of support to the Southbury PMR Team. To your family, I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Sherri Cianflone
Sherry Edwards
February 2, 2025
Karen was such an amazing coworker and friend! She was the kindest/most thoughtful person and she made everyone feel welcome/special at work, and always kept meticulous order in the office creating a very efficient atmosphere!! She taught me so much in such a short time and I will always be grateful to her!! Her legacy of kindness will definitely continue to be carried out, as she impacted all that she came into contact with, so greatly!! She will be sorely missed however, know she will forever be remembered fondly and have a special place in my heart and mind!! Sending prayers to her family, especially to Lou, at this time!!! This was one of our favorite pictures of a flower, that was taken last summer
Rick Donegan
February 2, 2025
Your sister Linda & I are going to miss you
You are Linda´s sister and
you´re her best friend as well.
Darlene McCoy
February 2, 2025
My deepest condolences for Louis and Karen's entire family and friends at this difficult time. I met Karen at work when I was the Office Coordinator for Dr. Aaronson and Dr. Riordan. Her smile and laughter was infectious and her love of her patients and co-workers exemplified the VERY SPECIAL woman that she 'was during her time here on Earth. After leaving Physical Medicine, I still kept in touch when I became a patient....she ALWAYS made me smile...especially when we would talk about the Adirondacks and our love of nature and outdoors. I'll never forget the day she told me of her illness....she had to comfort me because I'm the one who fell apart. She was so positive and vowed to fight with all her will....I never doubted that. I'm so sorry that I lost touch as she was fighting and reading of her passing reminds me of how each day that God gives us is SO precious....we need to now waste one minute! I know that Karen didn't. Heaven has gained another angel...my friend, Karen. I'll miss that smile but I'll see you one day in Heaven. I love you!
Don Butler
February 1, 2025
Donna and I are so sorry to hear this news. May God give you strength at this difficult time. Don Butler.
Pat Cannizzaro
February 1, 2025
I´m so very sorry for your loss . I Will always remember her as a strong courageous person . I always enjoyed taking care of her while she was at home My thoughts and prayers are with everyone at this most difficult time. God bless always. Pat the nurse
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