Pittsford, NY: Karen passed away peacefully on July 9, 2016, her 70th birthday, after a long battle with cancer. Predeceased by her parents, Gustino “Disty” and Carmella Dececco, brother Robert DeCecco and sister Josephine Ribero (DeCecco). Karen is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, James; her children, Erin (John) Weingart and James (Susan) Farnham; and her sisters, Maria (Wayne) Cottle, and Sylvia (Paul) Ficco. Karen was “Nonnie” to 4 grandchildren, Benjamin Weingart, Sophia Weingart, Eli Weingart, and Vivienne Farnham, and aunt to many nieces and nephews all of whom she loved dearly.
Karen was such a kind, loving and dedicated friend, sister, mother, mother in law, wife, aunt and grandmother. Karen would often be found in the kitchen cooking fantastic Italian food for her friends and family. She volunteered for many years at the annual LPGA golf tournament and local book sales. She was an avid reader and enjoyed old movies, shopping and cooking shows. Karen had a love for traveling, bur her favorite trip was the family’s yearly visit to Martha’s Vineyard, where she was surrounded by those who meant the most to her. During these trips, she was known to eat many fried clams, oysters, and clam cakes, which she loved!
All those who knew Karen were blessed with the gift of an amazing person. Karen’s strength, positive attitude and perseverance to live was commendable and admired by those around her. Karen’s love for her family was unquestionably her drive in life. The family would like to thank the healthcare professionals at Highland Hospital (5th floor, East Wing) in Rochester, NY for their exceptional loving care during her final days.
A Service will be held in Karen’s hometown of Franklin, MA at St Mary’s Church, located at 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA 02038 on August 20, 2016. The family will receive friends from 9am to 10am at the church, followed by the Funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Karen’s name can be made to Highland Hospital, Highland Foundation 1000 South Ave. Rochester, NY 14620 or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research and patient care; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.
What a good and gentle woman. I think our world depends, more than it knows, on people like Karen who leave legacies of love, and goodness and beauty.