Karie Ann Menendez

"Beloved wife, mother, daughter, aunt, niece, & friend"
Karie Ann (Weber) Menendez, 52, of Watertown, peacefully entered the gates of heaven on the snowy morning of Saturday, January 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at home, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was the beloved wife of Andrew L. Menendez I for over fourteen years.
Karie was born on June 21, 1972, at Mildenhall Air Force Base in Suffolk, England, while her father was stationed there in the military. She was the cherished daughter of Dale S. and Anna Maria (LaBarbera) Weber. After her father's military service, the family relocated to Connecticut, where Karie grew up in Ridgefield.
Many knew Karie through her years in the restaurant industry, where she worked as a server and bartender with warmth and enthusiasm. She spent over eleven years at Woodbury Diner and most recently worked at Market Place in Litchfield. Karie's infectious smile and vibrant personality made her a beloved figure to both customers and colleagues. She was often described as a "social butterfly," with a way of making everyone feel welcome.
Karie proudly embraced her title of "professional shopaholic," always delighted by a good bargain, whether shopping in person or online. A talented baker, she was especially known for her famous pumpkin rolls, which will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of tasting them. She loved the beach, treasured sunrises, and eagerly anticipated the photos her husband, Andy, would send her every morning from his work, capturing the beauty of the dawn.
Above all else, Karie adored her family. She was a loving mother to her two sons and her "third child," her dog Piper. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did.
Karie is survived by her devoted husband, Andy Menendez of Watertown; her parents, Anna and Dale Weber of Middlebury; her sons, Jake A. Sturges of Waterbury and Andrew L. Menendez II of Watertown; her brother, Dana S. Weber and his wife, Victoria, of New York; and her in-laws, Stanley and Lynda Menendez of Ocala, FL. She also leaves behind a close-knit extended family, including aunts and uncles: Connie Schlemmer and her husband, Phil, of New Milford; Sal LaBarbera of Danbury; Janet Miles and her husband, Gino, of New Milford; Liz Weber and her husband, Brett, of Florida; Herb Weber and his wife, Kathy, of Waterbury; and Bill Weber and his wife, Barbara, of Danbury. Karie was also a beloved aunt to her niece and nephews: Destiny Steinberg and her husband, Cody of Middlebury, Damien Weber of Middlebury, Lance Corporal Christopher Jones of California, her four great-nephews, her Godmother Blanche LaBarbera and numerous cousins. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Ellie Menendez and brother-in-law Joseph Menendez.
Karie will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Arrangements: A celebration of life will be held later this year at a date to be announced. Brookside Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 200 Benson Road, Middlebury has been entrusted with handling Karie's funeral services.