Karen Stapleton

1951 - 2025

Karen Dometios Stapleton
Karen Dometios
Stapleton, 73, of Ponte Vedra, FL, peacefully entered into eternal rest surrounded by loving family members on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, following an 8-year long and difficult battle with breast cancer. Born in New Haven, CT on November 8, 1951, daughter of the late George and Esther
(Lazar) Dometios. Karen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Paul J. Stapleton.
After graduating West Haven High School in 1969, Karen received her RN from the Stamford Hospital School of Nursing in 1972. She began her 46-year career as a surgical nurse, spending much of that with Yale New Haven Hospital and Temple Surgical Center in New Haven, CT. She and her husband spent many happy years together at their North Haven home before moving to Florida in 2005. In 2021, Karen and her Aunt Evelyn moved to a 55+ retirement community in Nocatee, FL, where she enjoyed several activities (especially card games). She made many new friends who were always there for one another and appreciated them for their support.
Karen was a very caring and compassionate person, always putting others first. She was a huge dog lover, having many special 4-legged companions over the years. Karen was very proud of her Greek heritage, having been blessed with spending a summer in Greece. She loved Greek food, music and dancing. She also enjoyed listening to oldies music and sunbathing on the beach. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her brother, Thomas Dometios (Nancy) of Hamden, CT, her aunt, Evelyn DeCarlo of FL, brother-in-law Walter Stapleton (Claire) of NH and many dear cousins, extended family members and special friends.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent medical care she received at Baptist-MD Anderson Medical Center South in Jacksonville, FL during her long battle and would especially like to acknowledge the warm and compassionate care she received in her final days in the Community Hospice Center.
There will be no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 o'clock on Monday, October 13, 2025, at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road in Orange. Interment will follow in Kings Highway Cemetery, Milford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, Karen has requested that donations be made to any local animal shelter, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Cody-White Funeral Home in Milford is in charge of all arrangements. To light a candle or leave a condolence, please visit www.CodyWhiteFuneralService.com