Karen Fay Cappiello

Karen Fay Cappiello was called to eternal rest on Monday, December 29, 2023 at the age of 62 from ocular melanoma. She was born on September 10, 1961, to Charles Edmond Cappiello and Cordelia Purgley Cappiello. She was a native of Port Sulphur, lived in New Orleans for many years, and lived the past 18 years in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.

Karen attended both Nichols State University and Loyola University. She achieved her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in International Business and Finance from Loyola University. She honed her business skills initially with Sprint Mobile and Mitchell Osborne Photography. She then worked 21 years for LSU Health Science Center (LSUHSC) as business administrator in several departments including Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Genetics, Family Medicine, and finished her career in Pathology. She thoroughly enjoyed supporting many physicians at LSUHSC.

She is survived by her brother, Louis Cappiello (Carol) and her sister, Joanna Cappiello Leopold (Chris). She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Blake Cappiello (Brittany), Lindsay Stein (Adam), William Leopold, Charley Ann Leopold, Sydney Leopold, Garrett Smith and Matthew Smith.

Karen was a strong-willed, independent person who enjoyed cooking, entertaining, gardening, and her dogs. She wasn’t afraid to tackle any task, including knocking down walls for home renovations, framing up walls, and building an outside deck with a swing. Her courage in undergoing several clinical trials to further medical research for ocular melanoma was demonstrated up to the end. She loved the city of New Orleans along with the people, culture, music, and food. She was an annual attendee at Jazz Fest, never missing an opportunity to celebrate life to the fullest. Karen will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church, 3937 Canal St. in New Orleans, LA, 70119, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, PA at [email protected]. Select Ocular Oncology or make a donation by mail to Wills Eye Foundation/Ocular Oncology at 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com for the family.