Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly

59 Spruce Street

Westerly, Rhode Island

Karen Azzinaro Obituary

Karen J. (Fusaro) Azzinaro, 76, beloved wife of James Bitgood of Westerly, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Born in Westerly, Karen was the cherished daughter of the late James "Rudy" and Ruth "Sis" Fusaro. A pillar of strength and compassion, she dedicated 36 years of her life as a Registered Nurse at Westerly Hospital where her kindness and sense of humor touched countless lives.

Karen's zest for life was evident in her love for travel, especially with her husband and dear friends. She found joy in shopping, visiting the casino, and most importantly spending time with her family and friends. Her love and generosity endeared her to all who knew her.

She leaves behind her loving children, Elizabeth (Azzinaro) Considine and Andrew Azzinaro; and three stepchildren, Jennifer Bitgood, Amy Bitgood and Kayla Bitgood. She is also survived by her devoted brother Robert Fusaro and his two daughters; and her eleven adored grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life.

Visiting hours will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. Funeral service and burial will be private. Flowers may be sent directly to the Funeral Home. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Westerly Sun from Jul. 28 to Jul. 30, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Azzinaro

Sponsored by Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly.

Not sure what to say?





Janet York

July 20, 2025

So sad to remember that Karen passed. We had some good times at the Westerly hospital!

Pat Hewes

August 11, 2024

Condolences to Karen's family...she was such a good nurse, very caring. She surely was a character, made me laugh a lot when l worked on the same unit when l was in housekeeping! May God bless...fly high Karen!

Lisa Carter

August 7, 2024

Dear Beth, Liam, and Seamus,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Dan and Lisa Carter

Gia Maxson

July 29, 2024

My heartfelt condolences to Beth and Andrew. Karen had a zest for life! I have such fond memories of her. Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she, and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace. Gia

Ken Burton, Sr.

July 29, 2024

Dear Jim & Family,
Such sad news to learn on the passing of Karen. Deepest condolences go out to you all. I went to school with Karen back in the day she was young and lovely young lady and a great person to know. The legacy that she leaves behind is for all of you, and the love she shared with you! Your friends and neighbors wish to say " God Bless you all in the days ahead!" "May God Bless Karen", never to be forgotten! Amen!

Fred Mitchell

July 29, 2024

To Jim and the girls. My condolences to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Fred

Michael Dipollino

July 29, 2024

Thoughts and Prayers for Karen's Soul and for her husband and children. Karen you were one of a kind and will surely be missed by the many lives that you to touched. We had so, so many "Good Times" at WHS which we reminisced everytime we "ran into each other!!! Prayers for your Soul and for the families that you have left behind!!! May God Have Mercy on Your Soul and May You Rest IN The Peace of Christ!!!

Ginny Boucher

July 29, 2024

My thoughts to the family. Karen was a great person to work with, funny, kind, great supervisor. She will be missed.

Georgette

July 28, 2024

Please know my thoughts are with you during these sad times! I loved her she was really something!!!
All my love to her family. I am glad I did spend some time with her in Florida!! Love Georgette

Janet York

July 28, 2024

I worked with Karen for many years. She was a great person and nurse. Rest in peace Karen. My condolences to her family.

Marta

July 28, 2024

I worked with Karen for many years! I enjoyed each and every time. Our going on to get our RN, beach time, gatherings. RIP Karen, u will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to family members

Steven D Chester

July 28, 2024

Karen will always be remembered! Many years working with!

Shannon Ferraro

July 28, 2024

I cannot describe what a wonderful woman she was... An excellent nurse and mentor. God bless you my friend and your family.

Donna Jean

July 26, 2024

Karen, your Joyous smile will be sadly missed by me. Thank you for being around when I'd had my children, and later having arthritis issues!
I'm deeply Sadden to hear of you loss! My Thoughts and Prayers are truly with your family & your many friends at this time. This Community has Really lost on of their best Assets... God Speed My Friend, You've Certainly Earned Your Wing To Fly Free....

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in Karen Azzinaro's name

Memorial Events
for Karen Azzinaro

Jul

30

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly

59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891

Funeral services provided by:

Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly

59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891

How to support Karen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Karen Azzinaro's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more