Karen Beth O’Connell

Born on June 27, 1954 in Dunkirk, New York, Karen was the daughter of the late Jack and Mary Anne (Burke) O’Connell.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her life companion, Jose Salgado, infant sister, Sharon O’Connell, her brother in laws, Allan Dejonghe and Timothy Schwertfager, and stepfather, D. Kent Lawhead.

Karen resided in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area for her entire life. Growing up she attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. Joseph’s Elementary School. Following her eighth grade graduation, she enrolled at Fredonia High School. As an adult, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from SUNY Fredonia and a Master of Science in Education from St. Bonaventure University.

Karen was a talented artist. She loved printmaking, sculpting, and drawing. After earning her college degrees, she continued sitting in on art classes at SUNY Fredonia. Her little white long haired Chihuahua, Twilight, “Twi” for short, would accompany her to these classes. Both the college newspaper, “The Leader”, and the “Dunkirk Observer”, featured articles about Karen and her dog. This past summer, Karen’s drawings earned numerous 1st place blue ribbons at the Chautauqua County Fair and she was given special recognition too.

Karen was a diligent worker. She worked various jobs including security guard, clerical worker at Brooks Hospital, and private home health care aide through the Office of the Aging. She was employed by Chautauqua Works and also the Clarion, where she was a banquet server, especially enjoying the outdoor wedding receptions.

In 2023, Karen successfully published Memories of Twilight, My Dog, My Teacher, My Heart. She was both author and illustrator of this book which portrays the 14 years she spent with her Chihuahua. They were often seen together in places like PetSmart, Tops Market or TJ Maxx.

Karen had a large clock collection, including a grandfather wall clock from her mother’s home. She also had a unique fondness of tigers. Her large charcoal drawing of a beautiful tiger is displayed at Concord Estates, where she’s lived for the past 8 years.

Karen was a kind and gentle soul who found happiness in being with family, nature, and the many pets owned throughout her life, especially “Twi”.

Survivors include her son, Jack (Valerie) Sprague of Jacksonville, Florida; a daughter Julie Kowalski (Jason Montague) of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; five grandchildren, Andrew, Kailey, and Zander Kowalski, Natalie and Evan Montague; two brothers, Michael O’Connell, James O’Connell, both of Dunkirk; five sisters, Kathleen (William) Stelmach, of Fredonia, Susan (Daniel) McKinnon, of Forestville, Barbara Schwertfager, of Fredonia, Jayne DeJonghe and Jill (Steven) Crane, both of Dunkirk; several aunts and uncles, nieces and nephew, cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 5. 2024 at 10a.m. in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church. Interment in St. Mary’s cemetery. There will be no prior visitation.

Arrangements by McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Contributions can be made to the Lakeshore Humane Society or the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue in her memory.