Obituary of Karen M. Grignon

Rensselaer- Karen Marie Grignon, loving sister, aunt and friend passed away suddenly May 4, 2023 at the age of 72.

Born in Troy, she was the eldest of seven children of the late George and Rita (Bohrer) Grignon. She attended East Greenbush Schools and worked a variety of jobs. She was especially fond of working with children.

Karen lived a simpler life than most. A fish fry, submarine sandwich or a Dunkin Donuts coffee would make her day. She found pleasure in shopping, watching TV, seeing scary movies and connecting with family. Some of her quieter moments were spent writing poetry, making art and tending her plants. 

Karen leaves behind four sisters, Susan Murphy (Mary), Joanne Clum (Bill), Jane Mangan, Maureen Holteen (Tim), and two brothers, Robert Grignon (Nancy) and John Grignon (Marti). Many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and a great grandniece also survive her.

Karen’s extended family was the staff and support personnel of Unity House in Troy. Over the years, through their services and TAS program, Karen lived a well-supported independent life in an apartment of her own. The family is especially grateful for the love and support given to Karen by her long-time case manager and dearest friend, Fortune Omase. “Mama” loved you.

The family wishes to thank the medical staff at the Delmar Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and the Delmar-Bethlehem EMS for their service.

A memorial service will take place Thursday, May 11, at W.J. Lyons Jr., Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer at 11:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited to call prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 am. Interment will immediately follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy, where she will be joined in eternity with Mom and Dad.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Unity House of Troy, 2431 Sixth Avenue, Troy, NY 12180, www.unityhouseny.org.