![]() ![]() 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. Karen passed peacefully in Port Chester, NY from a respiratory condition. 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 also served for many years as an honorary member of the Board of Directors for the Cardinal Hayes Home for Children in Millbrook, NY. ![]() As an adult, Karen worked as the receptionist for the Trinity Retreat House in Larchmont, NY retiring after 40 years of service. Karen attended Good Council High School, in White Plains, NY. Karen never considered herself “handicapped”, instead she classified herself as permanently inconvenienced. 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. Inspired by Karen’s indomitable spirit and determination, Karen’s mother Marie Killilea wrote two best selling books, Karen and With Love from Karen. At that time the doctors didn’t think she’d live 8 minutes let alone 80 years. Karen was several months premature and weighed under two pounds. ![]() ![]() Though Karen was born with Cerebral Palsy her life was nothing short of remarkable. Author: Marie Killilea Publisher: Dell 4376 Year: 1974 Print: 23 Cover. Karen was born in August of 1940 in Rye, New York. Karen Killilea, 80, Dies Turned Disability Into Triumph (Published 2020). ![]()
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