Karen De Lisle

Karen De Lisle, 79, of Torrington, CT, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on January 22, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Karen was born in Torrington, CT, daughter of the late Michael and Mary (York) Gay. She grew up in East Litchfield with her family. She met her husband, (Jean) Edward De Lisle in grade school where he would often tease her and her sister Cindy. They began to date after graduation following a chance meet at Beverly’s when she and Cindy were there to roller-skate. They wed in 1966 once Ed completed his tour in the Army. They then began a family of their own. 

Karen enjoyed her career at the Torrington Savings Bank, working her way from Teller position to Vice President of Human Resources. She retired in 2009 and focused on spending time with her family and travelling with her husband. A favorite destination was Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where she loved the ease and simplicity of life of the Amish. When not travelling, she loved hosting holidays for her family. She took pride in making each holiday special with memories, humor and delicious meals. 

Karen is predeceased by her husband Ed (2022). She is survived by her son, Edward De Lisle, daughter in law Kelli (Warner) of Torrington, CT and daughter Angela De Lisle of Cheshire, CT. She is also survived by her six cherished grandchildren, Matthew De Lisle, partner Maya Guaman, Daniel De Lisle, wife Jamie, Mackenzie Warner, Gabriel Warner, Niko Capaldo and Marco Capaldo. She had the brief pleasure of knowing her great grand daughter Adeline De Lisle and great grand son Aiden. She will look down from Heaven and get to know her future great-grandson, Dawson.

Karen was predeceased by her brothers Michael Gay and Bruce Gay. She is survived by her twin siblings; sister Cindy (Gay) Schwartz, brother Peter Gay, wife Donna, Sister-in-law Caroline (De Lisle) Cataldo and her husband Al. She will leave nephews Darren Schwartz, Greg Gay and nieces Lisa Gay, Kristi (Gay) Calloway, Christine Cataldo and their families. Neice Jessica Schwartz predeceased Karen.

Karen had a love for the racoons in her yard and would often feed them. She got to know generations of her “ friends” through the years. In lieu of flowers, and to continue the care of her friends, memorial contributions can be made to Claws N Paws Rehabilitation Center for injured or abandoned wildlife in New Britain, CT. As both her and Dad’s life were affected by the condition of Dementia, further memorial contributions can be made to the Dementia Society of America.

Calling hours will be held at Cook Funeral Home on Thursday January 30th from 5-8pm with a private burial to follow in the spring. 

The family of Karen would like to extend deepest thanks to the staff who provided wonderful care during her time at the Cottage of Litchfield Hills, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice Care.