Karen A. Burgess

Waterford — Karen A. Burgess of Waterford passed away March 1, 2024, at home, surrounded by family. Karen was born in New London on Dec. 10, 1940, to E. Kenneth and Olga (Sleights) Carlson. She attended New London High School, where she met the love of her life, Charles W. Burgess. After graduating in 1958, she worked for Southern New England Telephone until she married Charles in 1960.

She is survived by Charles; their three daughters and their spouses, Victoria and Michael Spooner, Heather and James O’Shea, and Regina and Jack Broome; five grandchildren and their spouses/ fiancées, Carl and Jennifer Spooner, Joseph O’Shea and fiancée Chloe Vilain, Evin O’Shea and fiancée Colleen Bernard, Elissa (Alex Stevens) Evans, Andrew and Roberta Broome; plus two great-grandchildren, Scott Spooner and Stella Spooner.

After raising the family, Karen worked several years as a cashier for A&P Supermarkets. Upon their retirement Karen and Charles enjoyed RV-ing throughout the United States including memorable trips to Alaska and the Grand Canyon, then settling to spend winters in Connecticut and 12 winters in Rockport, Texas. Karen enjoyed cooking, trying different styles and recipes regularly. She also loved to knit for family and friends – her owl pattern knit hats were always in great demand.

Karen had three grandchildren in the military service and hated to see anyone going hungry, in lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made in her memory to Montville Social Services for Vets, 310 Norwich New London Turnpike, Uncasville, CT 06382 or the Gemma Moran Food Bank, 347 Broad St., New London CT 06320

The family will greet friends and family from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Thomas L. Neilan and Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic.