Karen D. Colwell

Karen D. Colwell (Lombardo), 59, of East Hanover, formerly of Florham Park, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on October 18, 2024.She died as she lived, in the loving embrace of her family.

 Born on July 17, 1965, Karen grew up surrounded by the love of her large family of aunts, uncles, and many treasured cousins, who were always together for celebrations, holidays, and everyday moments. Some of her favorite memories were family trips to Vermont that began in her earliest days and continued throughout her life, adding members as the family grew.

Karen had an incredible gift for bringing people together and was known for her warm hospitality. She loved nothing more than hosting gatherings where friends and family could share laughter and good times. Her nieces and nephews will always remember the epic parties that she helped her sister throw for their birthdays and their famous Halloween bashes. Karen brought joy and creativity to every activity she planned for all of the children who were blessed to be in her life, including her friends’ kids, whom she considered her own nieces and nephews. In addition, her friends at BGRS, where she worked for 25 years, were an important part of her life, and she cherished the friendships she made there.

Above all, Karen’s greatest love was for God. Her Catholic faith was the guiding force in her life, and she found strength and comfort in her deep devotion. Karen lived her faith and won many souls for the Kingdom.  She was instrumental in bringing the Antioch program to Holy Family and surrounding parishes.  Through her leadership, Karen not only brought people to faith, but brought together a group of friends who would become family and walk along with her in a faith journey for 40 years. Towards the end of her life she was honored to be a part of the Evangelistic Outreach Program ‘Chat with a Catholic’ at St. Paul Inside the Walls.

Karen will continue to be a guiding light in the lives of her beloved husband of 25 years, George B. Colwell, her parents Michael and Susan Lombardo, her sister and best friend Janet Winz and her husband Stefan, her brothers-in-law Chris Colwell and his husband Rahsaan, cousins, extended family and friends, and her niece Cassie and nephews Billy and Timmy Winz, whom she loved as her own. 

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Wednesday, October 23rd from 4-7pm.  Funeral on Thursday, assembling at the funeral home at 11am, followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in E. Hanover at Noon.  A repast will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen’s name to your favorite charity.

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