Obituary of Karen Killilea

Obituary for Karen Killilea: Karen was born in August of 1940 in Rye, New York. Though Karen was born with Cerebral Palsy her life was nothing short of remarkable. Karen was several months premature and weighed under two pounds. At that time the doctors didn’t think she’d live 8 minutes let alone 80 years. Inspired by Karen’s indomitable spirit and determination, Karen’s mother Marie Killilea wrote two best selling books, Karen and With Love from Karen. The books shared with the world the true story about the strength of family love, a refusal to accept prejudice towards people with disabilities, and the will of a woman who refused to succumb to the limitations of her challenges. Karen never considered herself “handicapped”, instead she classified herself as permanently inconvenienced. Karen attended Good Council High School, in White Plains, NY. As an adult, Karen worked as the receptionist for the Trinity Retreat House in Larchmont, NY retiring after 40 years of service. Karen also served for many years as an honorary member of the Board of Directors for the Cardinal Hayes Home for Children in Millbrook, NY. Despite of her physical challenges, Karen remained fiercely independent, living on her own in her condominium in Larchmont, NY for most of her life. Karen passed peacefully in Port Chester, NY from a respiratory condition. Karen is survived by her sister Marie and husband Michael Irish, Fairfield Ct., her brother Rory Killilea, Seattle WA, Her sister Kristin and husband Simon Viltz, Hawthorn Woods, IL and many nieces/nephews and grandnieces/nephews.