Karen O'Brien Lenois
April 28, 1943 ~ March 1, 2023
Born in:
New Haven, CT
Resided in:
North Haven, CT
Karen O’Brien Lenois, 79, loving and devoted wife of 53 years to Robert G. Lenois, Sr. of North Haven, and loving mother of three, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Yale-New Haven Hospital on March 1, 2023. Born in New Haven on April 28, 1943, she was the oldest daughter of the late John and Margaret O’Brien.
Karen was a devoted educator to those with special needs, first earning her Associate’s degree and later completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees after raising her children. A devout Catholic, she served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Rita Church and was a dedicated member of the Columbiettes, as well as the Catholic Charity League. Karen was also a devoted volunteer at the Columbus House in New Haven. Karen led a humble life in service of others and in dedication to her community. This drew praise and distinction from the Archbishop, the City of New Haven’s Office of the Mayor, the Knights of Columbus, and Columbus House.
In addition to her husband Robert, she is survived by her three children, Robert G. Lenois, Jr. (Jamie) of Larchmont, NY, Danielle M. Lenois of New York City, and Paul A. Lenois (Ashley) of Branford; her four grandchildren, Julia Rose and Emma Josephine Lenois, and Dylan James and Theodore James Lenois; and her siblings Regina Thomas (Frank) of Haverford, PA, Mark O’Brien (Barbara) of West Palm Beach, FL, and Philip O’Brien (Lisa) of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and numerous dear friends. She was predeceased by her faithful and loving canine companion of sixteen years, KaiLee.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Karen’s family on Friday, March 10th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, and may attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 11th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Paul VI Parish/St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden. The burial will be private. Memorial contributions can be made in her name to Columbus House, New Haven, CT. All donations will go to the Karen Lenois Community Service Fund.
Services
Visitation: March 10, 2023 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
Mass of Christian Burial: March 11, 2023 10:00 am
St. Rita Church
1620 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06517
203-248-5513
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Danielle and the whole Lenois family at this time.
I knew Karen back in 1990/91 when I was studying at Hamden Hall as an overseas student. I would spend time hanging out with Danielle at their house and even now, 30 plus years on I vividly recall Karen’s warmth and kindness and how welcome she made me feel. A very special lady.
Love, Danny Bradford (Class of 1992)
I taught with Karen at Pagels school. She was an amazing educator and colleague. The kids did amazing in her class. She was two rooms down from my room. Whenever you walked by you could see the excitement they had in her room. Sending your family ❤️
So sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. I taught with Karen at Pagels School for many years. She was an outstanding educator, friend, and a pillar of the community!! We will always remember her with smiles and love.
Linda and Kristin Carlson
Love from the Vaynermedia LA team.
xoxoxo
Sorry to hear about this .Karen was a great person as well as a great special needs teacher. We worked together at St Francis Home for Children in New Haven in the 1990’s She was a warm competent and loyal staff member. I could always count on her when our students were in a difficult situation. Godspeed, Karen A job well done. Greg Neagle
Karen was a loving person. I knew her when I was @ St Rita Church. She worked hard to help others. God Bless her. Rest in peace.
I don’t have adequate words to express my heartbreak. Karen & I became friends at St. Rita’s. When I joined the Lector Ministry she held my hand and encouraged me on my first day. Then I became a Eucharist Minister & she taught me how to bring the Eucharist to the elderly or ill who were home bound. She always made the time for anyone who needed her.
Every encounter with Karen made me smile. She would enter a room and it would brighten. We moved to Florida last year and Karen took me to dinner 3 days before we left CT. I won’t be able to attend the service but I send my condolences and prayers to her family. She loved you so much! May our Lord give you all strength to heal in the coming days and weeks. God bless you.
In love & friendship,
Elizabeth Rivera
Karen was such an incredible person. She touched so many people and had such an impact on her community. Her love for her family was inspirational. She will be missed by so many. I will always remember her warm and genuine smile and sincere compassion to all. God has gained an angel.
Sorry
Sorry I will not see you today. Feeling under the weather and not wanting to mingle. You know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My heartfelt condolences to the whole family. I worked with Karen for many years at Green Acres School. She was my para, and we told her she needed to go back to school and get certified in special education… she was a natural. She was one of the sweetest and kindest people, and wonderful with our kids. Sending my prayers and sympathy.