Karen Lynn Garofano

It is with a sense of profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Lynn Garofano (nee Cornish), age 65, of Pequannock, NJ.

Karen passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 while receiving the loving care of her family.  Karen was born in Paterson and was one of six children to Fred and Helen Cornish.  Karen and her family lived in Paterson until she was about eleven years old when they moved to Wayne, NJ.  While living in Wayne, Karen attended Wayne Hills High School and graduated with the class of 1976.

Following her graduation from Wayne Hills, Karen found employment quickly with her aunt Carol at Howard Group Paper Company in Paterson.  Karen was a diligent and meticulous bookkeeper and dedicated over thirty years of her career as the company underwent multiple name changes and transitions to Five Star Paper, and Marcal Paper Products.  Throughout the shifting corporate landscape, Karen maintained a strong presence, managing the company’s financial record with expertise.  After retiring from Marcal Paper, she found herself drawn back into the world of paper products, accepting a position at Cellmark Paper in Ramsey, NJ.  Karen worked for Cellmark Paper until her passing.  During her busy life raising her daughter and her career as a bookkeeper, Karen also enjoyed working part time at Bosland’s Flower Shop in Wayne. NJ. 

Karen’s adoration for animals was evident in her love for volunteering at the Sullivan County SPCA in her spare time. She dedicated her free time and energy to caring for the shelter's animals, ensuring they received the love and attention they needed and deserved. As a pet parent, Karen also poured her love and devotion into her own animals, raising her beloved German Shepherds.  

One day In 1984, Karen's ordinary day of shopping in Haledon took an unexpected turn when a minor fender-bender brought her face-to-face with a man named Dennis Garofano. Despite the initial inconvenience, there was an undeniable spark between the two of them. What started as exchanging insurance information quickly evolved into exchanging smiles and laughter. As they navigated the aftermath of the accident together, Karen and Dennis found themselves drawn to each other. Their chance encounter blossomed into a wonderful romance.  Before long, they realized that the collision that brought them together was merely the beginning of their journey. As fate would have it, they fell in love and on August 10, 2008, the two exchanged vows, becoming husband and wife.  While residing in Wayne, NJ the couple welcomed the birth of their one and only daughter, Kayla.  Karen and her family remained in Wayne until 2017 when they moved to the town of Pequannock where they have been ever since.  

One of Karen’s favorite pastimes was gardening and watching wildlife. Karen's passion for gardening was truly vibrant. Karen spent endless hours tending to her garden oasis filled with delicate flowers, bountiful vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Among the variety of flowers, her favorites were the ones that attracted her beloved hummingbirds and butterflies. Their flight and movement were a source of endless fascination. Karen delighted in creating a haven for these birds, planting flowers that attracted them to her garden sanctuary. Karen also enjoyed fishing and boating with her husband and daughter, and hiking in the mountains of upstate New York. She treasured dancing and listening to music, particularly Elvis, Cher, and Janis Joplin.  

Those who knew Karen best knew that her greatest passion in life was for her family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Karen than spending time with and providing for her family.  She was a truly devoted wife and mother and cherished forty years of togetherness including sixteen years of loving and loyal marriage to her husband Dennis.    

Karen had a quick wit and a knack for sarcasm, she had a way of turning even the most mundane moments into a funny and pleasant atmosphere. Whether cracking jokes with friends or playfully teasing loved ones, Karen's lighthearted joking was infectious, bringing smiles to all who knew her. Yet beneath her playful exterior, Karen was sincerely spiritual and held a firm belief in karma, the notion that what goes around comes around. She truly believed that life had a way of balancing the scales, and she lived by the principle of treating others with kindness and respect.  

Karen will forever be remembered as a truly devoted mother and wife.  She was a genuinely selfless person, always thinking, taking care of, and putting the needs of friends and family before her own.  Karen was an inspiration of open-mindedness and acceptance. Regardless of anyone’s circumstances, she greeted everyone with warmth and understanding. Her lack of judgment created an atmosphere where you could express yourself without fear of rejection. In Karen's presence, you always knew that no matter what, she would completely embrace you for exactly who you are.  Karen was a very special person who will be sorely missed by everyone that knew her.  

Karen is survived by her husband Dennis Garofano of Pequannock, NJ, her daughter Kayla Garofano of Pequannock, NJ, her mother Helen Cornish of Pequannock. NJ, one sister Sandy Walder of Pequannock, NJ, two brothers Fred Cornish of Newport Richie, FL, and Bill Cornish of Newport Richie, FL, two nieces; Tara, and Tonya, three nephews; Dan, Matt, and Kyle, and two great nieces; Willow, and Zayna.  She is also survived by her pets; her dogs; Lola, Oreo, and her cat Trouble.  She was predeceased by her father Fred Cornish, her brother Edward Cornish, and her sister Linda Cornish.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s name may be made to Sullivan County SPCA, 104 Rock Hill Dr, Rock Hill, NY 12775.