Karen M. Hancock

Karen M. Hancock (Deblasio), age 71, of Verona, passed Friday, March 14, 2025.

Karen was born in Paterson to Mary and Francis Deblasio and spent many years residing at 159 Liberty Street in Paterson. She attended St. Mary’s Grammar School and later attended John F. Kennedy high school in Paterson and Mary Help of Christians High School in North Haledon. After starting a family, Karen pursued higher education at Montclair State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History. Throughout her life, she has lived in Paterson, Wanaque, Montclair, and Verona.

Karen was a truly caring and considerate woman, always showing love and warmth to those around her. She was passionate about art with an emphasis on watercolor painting and sketching.  Her talent for creating beautiful art was matched only by her devotion to her family, especially her beloved granddaughter Bianca, whom she adored. Karen was also a terrific cook and baker. Italian specialties being her favorite from Pasta Fagioli and Broccoli Cavitelli to making Struffoli and chocolate chip cookies during the holidays.

Karen met her future husband Mike at Netzler’s Sweet Shop on Union Avenue in Paterson.  They were just teenagers then, when Mike asked her out.  They went to see “Summer of ‘42” at the local drive-in theatre which soon led to their engagement.  They were married on April 22, 1973 and honeymooned at Lake George later that summer.  They settled to a home on Redwood Ave. in Paterson before eventually moving to Haskell in 1986.  During their marriage, Mike and Karen visited Ireland, Scotland, Spain, London, Rome, and often spent summers at the New Jersey Shore. Karen and Mike have enjoyed forty-five years together, raising their three children.

Karen was a true theatre enthusiast, making a point to visit Broadway in New York at least three times a year, immersing herself in the magic of live performances. She also loved movies and British sitcoms, like Doc Martin and Downton Abbey. A devoted Beatles maniac, she could talk endlessly about their music and legacy. Karen also cherished outings to lunch with friends and family. Antiquing and yard sales were among her favorite pastimes, as she delighted in uncovering unique treasures and hidden gems.

Karen was also a self-proclaimed germaphobe, always mindful of cleanliness, and above all, she had a heart full of concern for others, constantly worrying about their well-being and happiness. Her kindness and thoughtful nature touched everyone who knew her. She had the reputation as a serial card sender. With a stationery store’s worth of cards at her fingertips for every occasion—thank you cards, birthday cards, Christmas cards, and Mass cards, ensuring no milestone or moment went unrecognized. Her generosity and thoughtfulness knew no bounds, always putting the happiness and comfort of others before her own. A true animal lover, Karen shared her life with several beloved stray cats over the years. Currently, she is devoted to her loyal dog, Pharaoh, who brings her immense joy and companionship. Whether through her affectionate gestures or the unconditional love she showed her furry friends, Karen’s warmth and compassion left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.

Karen was the loving wife of the late Michael Hancock (d. 2018); cherished daughter of Mary “Mimi” Louise Deblasio of Oakland and the late Francis Deblasio; devoted mother of Tara Hancock of Verona, Kyle Hancock of Ringwood, and Jason Hancock of Montclair; dearly loved great-grandmother of Bianca; and loved sister of Mark Deblasio and his wife Patty of Paterson, Damon Deblasio of Lincoln Park, Diane Arbus and her husband Michael of Paterson, and the late Chris Deblasio.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's name may be made to North Shore Animal League or Verona Ambulance Department