Karen Lynn Finnell

Karen Lynn Finnell

Karen "Kare" Finnell, age 75, of Geneva, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She leaves a void that will be impossible to fill.

Born November 1949 in San Diego, CA, she was the daughter of Milton and Darlene Fillius.

Karen is survived by her partner, Anne Nenneau. She was a loving mother to her children and grandchildren. Her children, Michael (Fionna) Finnell of Chantilly, VA and Kelly (RJ) Passalaqua of Geneva; and her grandchildren: Logan Finnell, Mackenzie Finnell, Jack Serrett and Brooke Finnell survive her. She will be remembered by her brothers and sister: Tony (Kris) Fillius, Julie (David)Thomas, Donald (Jenny) Fillius and a host of lifetime friends who became family.

Karen had a soft spot for rescues. Four very fortunate canines joined them over time. Each one became a valuable member of the family and were doted upon and loved. Three have already crossed the rainbow bridge, Coco, Oreo and Cotton. Socks, a pup they rescued years ago, remains.

She was predeceased by her parents.

While growing up, Karen lived in Hawaii for several years and graduated from high school in Honolulu. She became immersed in the Aloha culture, and for her prom she wore a traditional Hawaiian lei instead of a corsage. She graduated, on the Dean's List, from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology.

After her move to Texas she started her first business venture, KCs Boutique in Highland Village. She found something that put her diverse talents to use. Her ease in connecting with people created a loyal clientele and many new friends. Kelly, her daughter, loved going on buying trips for the boutique with her mom.

For many years Karen was a realtor with the Re/Max agency in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She loved showing homes to her clients and the results showed. She was not only a Multi-Million Dollar Producer but also a Diamond Circle Member.

Karen and Anne shared 25 years together. Together they created a warm and welcoming home that was enjoyed by many during Geneva Historical Society's Tour of Homes. The gardens became their primary passion. With their loving attention, they flourished. Each year, a bit more lawn was lost to a new garden bed and something new would be added. A new rock border, a path, or a water feature and a "few" more Japanese Maple trees. One year, for the Neighborhood Resource Center's Garden Walk, they opened their gardens for all to enjoy.

Every year in September, the tubs of treasures would come out and Karen would start decorating her many themed Christmas trees.

Often a new theme would surface which would necessitate a shopping trip for new decorations and ribbon, lots of ribbon. When 36 trees graced their home, she was done, almost, because the decorating wasn't limited to just the trees. Everywhere you looked there was another room decorated with a designer's touch.

In accordance with Karen's wishes there will be no calling hours. A private burial will be at the GENEVA convenience of the family. The family is planning a celebration of life in her garden. It will be held in the spring as the garden shakes off the winter and comes back to life.

Please consider donating in Karen's memory to a charity of one's choice.

To share a memory or to offer condolences, please visit www.palmfh.com

Kare, you were a beautiful soul. You lived well and loved deeply. You taught us all what a difference small acts of kindness or a thoughtful word or two could make in someone's day. You will always be remembered, and we will never forget how special you made us feel.