Karen Adele Lee Ryans

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Adele (Lee) Ryans, 78, of Bloomfield, Connecticut, who peacefully entered eternity on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at UCONN John Dempsey Hospital, surrounded by her beloved family.
Karen was born on February 13, 1946, in Hartford, Connecticut, to the late Malcolm Francis Lee and Lucille (Hughes) Lee. She was the fifth of eight siblings, and from a young age, demonstrated remarkable determination and intellect. Karen excelled in mathematics while attending Hartford Public Schools, skills she would later apply in her professional life as a successful entrepreneur.
In her early adult years, Karen embarked on a diverse career journey, where she applied her entrepreneurial spirit to various ventures. She worked as a bookkeeper for a floor-cleaning business she ran with her former husband and later managed a domestic service / private duty nursing business for Attorney Green and Bradley Hoffman (owner of Hoffman Auto Group). After retiring as a successful entrepreneur, Karen devoted herself to helping her son operate their family-owned hot dog business.
Karen's faith was an essential part of her life. At the age of 16, she made the life-changing decision to marry and gave her life to Christ at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, converting from Catholicism to Baptist alongside her former husband. She and her five children were baptized by immersion, marking a public profession of their shared Christian faith.
Family was at the center of Karen's world. She and her former husband bought a home in Bloomfield to provide their five children with a better quality of life and access to opportunities that would enrich their education and well-being. Karen's love, care, and devotion were endless, and she will be remembered for her nurturing presence and unyielding support for her children and grandchildren.
Karen had a unique gift of showing her love through acts of service. She was a talented cook, baker, and crocheter, creating meals and blankets that were filled with warmth and affection for those she cherished. She also had a gift for connecting with others. Her smile, gentle spirit, and kind words brought joy to everyone she met, and she made a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.
She is survived by her children: Kendall Williams of Manchester, Leo Ryans of Bloomfield, Heidi Ryans of New Britain, and Holly Ryans-Merritt (Joseph) of Bloomfield. She is also survived by six siblings: Wayne Lee (Delores) of Bloomfield, Valerie Williams of Hartford, Meredith McKelvey of East Hartford, Byron Lee of Hartford, Belinda Clarke (Alton) of Bloomfield; as well as seven grandchildren Lucretia Johnson, Shyasha Williams, Latoya McIntosh (Caleel), Michael Ryans, Joquawn Ryans-Merritt, Quincy Ryans, and Jaida Ryans-Merritt; eight great-grandchildren Kenneth Anderson III, Avyon Ryans, Rashad Ryans, Shase Ryans, Khloe Watkins; Malakai Ryans-Merritt, Alaia Ryans-Merritt, and Halo Ryans-Merritt; one great-great-grandson Kenneth Anderson IV, and a host of special nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Karen was predeceased by her son, Todd Ryans; her grandson, Rashad Ryans; her mother, Lucille Lee; her father, Malcolm Lee; her sisters, Judith Ryans and Regina Philip; her uncles, Harry and Ralph Hughes; her brother-in-law, James Williams; nieces, Joy Brown and Doreen Lee-Camby; great-great niece, Nyasia Milner; and former husband Leo Ryans.
The Ryans family extends their heartfelt thanks for your support and understanding during this time of loss.