Karen was born on October 14, 1962, to Captain Alvin Coley and Jeanette Coley (née Meier). She grew up in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn, and attended South Shore High School. After graduating from Hofstra University in 1984, she received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1989. She completed her pediatric residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital in New Hyde Park, New York.

Karen was a dedicated pediatrician for more than 35 years. Her career included operating her own private practice, Malverne Pediatrics, in Malverne, New York, and, most recently, caring for children and families in Central and South Florida. She was a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Above all, Karen was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Caitlyn Ann and Megan Taylor. Her greatest joy was watching her girls grow and succeed. Karen was also an avid traveler who loved exploring the world with her friends and was known to always be planning her next trip. She was preparing to retire in the near future and looked forward to spending her time reading, volunteering with animals, and, of course, continuing to travel.

Karen was predeceased by her father, Alvin; her mother, Jeanette; and her older brother, Kenneth (Kenny).

Karen is survived by her treasured daughters, Caitlyn of New York, Megan of Virginia, and by her daughter-in-law, Parris Stanford.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Baldwin Brothers in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and on Friday, July 31st from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Flinch & Bruns Funeral Home in Lynbrook, New York. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 1st at 9:45 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes in Malverne, New York. Karen will be laid to rest with members of her extended family at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Friends of Children Fund.