Karen M. Fitzgerald, age 69, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, in Morristown, NJ, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on June 20, 1956, the youngest of four children to Joanne and Eugene Giles. At the age of four, she moved with her family to Wayne, New Jersey, where she grew up and built lifelong friendships.
Karen began her career with State Farm Insurance, where she was admired for her dedication and professionalism. After retiring nearly 20 years ago, she and her husband, John, relocated to Davenport, Florida. For 30 years, they had cherished their Disney timeshare, spending countless vacations immersed in the magic of Walt Disney World. It was only fitting that, in retirement, they embarked on a new chapter working wide by side at the park itself, where they spent many years creating memories and friendships. Later, Karen and John settled in The Villages, Florida, where she embraced a vibrant retirement filled with sunshine, laughter and the companionship of many new friends who became like family. She especially enjoyed golfing, dining out, traveling, and evenings filled with concerts and dancing in the town square.
Karen was the beloved spouse of John, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Together they, built a home that was always open to friends and family, a place where warmth and generosity were abundant.
At just 17, Karen became a mother to her daughter Christine, beginning a lifelong relationship defined by closeness, devotion, and joy. Their bond was extraordinary, and Christine, together with her husband Shaun, of Vernon, NJ, brought her constant pride and love throughout her life.
She is also survived by her cherished stepdaughter, Stacy Rach and her husband Brian, of Pittsburgh, PA; and her beloved grandchildren, Payton, Ryder, and Tanner. Karen was an adoring grandmother whose warmth, guidance, and love will be remembered always. She is further survived by her brothers:Lawrence and his wife Mary, of Virginia; William and his wife Laurie, of Toms River, NJ; and Robert and his wife Karen, of Leesburg, FL; along with her nephew Brian and his wife Ashley.
Though Karen’s physical presence will be missed, her love and influence will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.