Karen F. Carmean

Born on January 30, 1946 to the late Gerald and Evelyn (Davis) Courtright in Newton, New Jersey, Karen was a lifelong resident of Sussex County. She was a devoted wife to the late Robert Carmean, whom she married on February 26, 1972. Karen worked as a Contract Specialist with Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway, New Jersey prior to her retirement in 2007 when she received a commendation letter from President George W. Bush thanking her for 42 years of honorable service.

Karen was often seen taking long walks enjoying nature or tending to her garden. She loved traveling and cruises and visited destinations all over Europe, America and Mexico. Karen appreciated chocolate, fine wine and good food. She was an incredible cook and made the best beef stroganoff and macaroni & cheese. Karen loved the holidays and decorating, and particularly looked forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas creating many special memories with her family.

Karen was a thoughtful woman and the best gift giver. She was strong-willed with a positive attitude and had a knack for always seeing the bright side even in the most difficult of circumstances. Karen knew what she wanted and possessed the conviction to go after it. Her wisdom helped many find the silver linings when faced with a problem and her compassion was evident not only in how she carried herself, but through her charitable donations to various First Responders and Non-profit Organizations.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Karen lived for her family and they gave her strength through the hard times. She also enjoyed playing with her grand-dog and was especially proud of her son for the man and father he became.

In addition to her parents, Karen was also predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert Carmean who died in 2000; and her granddaughter, Philomena Rose Carmean. She is survived by her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Lynn Carmean; her precious grandchildren, Violet, Forrest and Rowan Carmean; and her sister, Sandra Lorenz.

Services are private under the direction of Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St, Newton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Karen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave, Newton, NJ 07860. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.