Karen Coffey

Karen Coffey - (Collar) - Age 68, passed away peacefully at her home in Tucson, Ariz., on Aug. 29, 2024. Karen was born May 5, 1955, to Leona and Edward Collar, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents: McCarthy and Anne Huff; uncles: Frank Huff and Harold A. Huff; as well as Dave’s parents: Judy and Ed Sasnowski. She is survived by her son: Benjamin Bay; his half-sister: Melissa Bay (children: Bryce and Bailey); and his father: Tom Bay; her cousin: Harold Jay Huff and his two sons: Franky and Tony Huff; the love of her life and partner: Dave Schoen and his family: Bob and Lee Ann Jackels (son Rob); Roy Schoen (children: Monique, Natasha, and Roy Jr.), Bill and Brenda Vande Wettering (children: Paul, Sara, and Maria). Karen was immensely proud of Ben and Dave, who were there for her through the many good times and took care of her through the rough times while battling cancer towards the end of her journey. Karen also made many good friends in her life and wanted to mention a few, Sharon, Pam, Judy, Mary, Suze W., Krista, Brenda, Susie A., Deb, Sue, Ann L., Tom Bay, Willie and Judy, Marge, the entire stained-glass shop. She wanted to mention she missed some but wanted to know she loves you all! And it was an amazing ride. Karen also wanted to express her appreciation to all her good friends for their support through the cards, texts, and phone calls, it meant a lot to her. Karen worked for A.A.L./ Thrivent and was able to take an early retirement, which gave her more time for family, friends, and travel. She liked to keep herself busy and enjoyed many part-time jobs while in semi-retirement. Karen was naturally artistic and embraced her creative side with learning new hobbies that focused on learning new ways to create art. She started working with stained glass when she started to stay in Tucson. She made many pieces of stained-glass art for people over the years, from sun catchers to full window size scenes that mostly had a Southwest inspiration to them. Karen also loved to travel and was able to visit 49 of the 50 states, she only missed Oregon, which she really wanted to get to, but the cancer just would not let her. She always made it a point to visit national parks when traveling and saw many. Karen was able to write her own obituary and with more time I am sure she would have expanded on pretty much everything. From Dave Schoen to Karen: “My Dear Karen, you were so kind, thoughtful, and fun loving. Thank you for giving me your complete and unconditional love! We only had 15 years, but they were the best of my life. I will love you forever and miss you every day. Dave.” A big thank you to Dr. Catherine Azar and the entire Arizona Blood and Cancer Specialist Team. Also, TMC Hospice. Very kind and caring through many tough times. A celebration of life will be held for Karen at Cash & Swillies, 701 E. Hyland Ave, Kaukauna, on May 4, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.