Karen R. Henes

Karen was the daughter of Elaine & Leonard Shields of Bridgeton, New Jersey, wife to Michael G Henes, DVM, mother to Rachel Henes and Jon Henes, grandmother to Sam, Ellie, Charlotte, Cece, Jake, Noah, and Nathaniel, friend and confidante to so many.

Karen grew up in Bridgeton, New Jersey and attended college at Cornell University, where she met and married her husband, Michael Henes, in 1967. Karen graduated Cornell with a BA and stayed on to earn a Masters in the Art of Teaching.

After graduation, Karen & Michael moved to Greenwich, CT where Karen taught 1st grade. In 1969, their first child, Jonathan was born, followed by Rachel in 1977.

In June 1973, Karen and Michael moved to Croton-on-Hudson and opened the Croton Animal Hospital, which they conceived of and planned together. Upon the opening, and during the early growth of the animal hospital, Karen served as the receptionist, office manager, book keeper, and lab technician among other roles. Her ability to successfully juggle so many positions allowed the hospital to grow and prosper.

In the next phase of her professional life, Karen received her MBA from Pace University and became a Certified Financial Planner. After running her own practice for several years, she co-founded the Highbridge Financial Group in 2004.

Karen never met an animal or child she didn't love, a person she didn't see the good in, or a wine she didn't want to taste. Karen connected with people everywhere she went, whether Croton or throughout her travels around the world. Karen biked, hiked, and yoga-d throughout the US & Europe, logging miles of hills and conversations.

Karen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2007 at age 59. She chose to confront her illness head on and committed herself to advocacy and action. She became an active volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association and shared her story with others to help destigmatize the disease and find a cure. She summoned her deep inner drive and bravery to keep being active and joyful as long as she could. Her strength, perseverance, and love of Frank Sinatra shined through her eventually debilitating illness and inspired many people to make the most of each day. Karen will be missed by her family, friends, neighbors and relatives - who will always remember her warm heart, adventurous spirit, smiling eyes, and laugh that could light up a room.