Karen M. Rowe - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Karen M. Rowe

June 19, 1957 - December 31, 2014

Karen M.(Scarponi) Rowe, age 57, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 31, 2014.

Born in Pompton Plains, New Jersey on June 19, 1957, Karen was the eldest daughter of the late Peter A. Scarponi and Thora Edge Scarponi. Karen graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1976 where she met her future husband.

While Karen worked in several professions, her warm heart and hands and attraction to nature and God’s Creatures led her to a job with Branmar Animal Hospital as a veterinary technician. With no experience in the field, through her desire and tenacity she was able to persuade Dr. Butler to hire her due to her passion and honesty.

As a devoted mother Karen focused much of her spare time ensuring her children were well cared for and involved in community activities, sports and family events. In addition to her involvement with her children, she was always there to support her husband, Chris’ business ventures or caring for her father as he resided with them for the last 12 years of his life.

Karen enjoyed travelling with Chris and would always share her adventures with those whom she came to know and love.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her brother, Mark Scarponi. She is survived by her beloved high school sweetheart and husband of over 35 years, Christopher J. Rowe, Sr.; daughter, Elise L. Rowe of Middletown, DE; son, Christopher J. Rowe, Jr. of Hollywood, CA ; sister, Lauren Manerchia of Middletown, DE; granddaughter, Everlee Derosier; cousin, Carole Dill; and her faithful Chocolate Point Siamese, Diamond David Lee Roth.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 pm on Wednesday afternoon, January 7, 2015, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm. Interment will follow in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Karen’s name may be made to Beat the Beast by visiting: http://www.beatthebeast.com/.

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60 Condolences for Karen M. Rowe

  • You are so missed by so many people, Karen I truly don’t know anyone who fought harder then you did. I always knew you were a strong woman but surpassed even your own expections. You and I will really never truly be apart, I know you will always be with me, and everyone you Love because you have always been a gaurdian angel. I Love you my sweet sister untill we are together again.

  • Chris, So sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Karen, but I know how you loved her. I pray that God releases angels to comfort you during this time. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

  • Dear Chris and family,
    There are not sufficient words to express my thoughts for you at this time. Please know that Karen is now at peace, and no longer suffering. Continue on, as she would want you to, and spread her message of love, faith, strength and hope. Fill the empty spaces in your hearts with the desire to help others, as Karen would. Let this be a new beginning, for Karen in a place of total comfort and peace, and for you all forging ahead to carry her message and love, keeping her alive in your hearts and souls, but allowing her peace to surround your pain. My love to you all. God Bless.

  • Chris and family, I’m so sorry for your loss! I know Karen was a wonderful person, I kept you in my prayers always!!! I will do everything in my power to be there on Wednesday!

    God Bless You All

  • so sorry for your loss. She is with our angels now! Dawn Momot

  • <3 With our deepest sympathy,I am sorry we are not able to attend the services. May your celebration of Karen's life be Blessed as Karen dances with the Angels in Heaven. <3
    All our love and Prayers
    Susan Leigh Cooper Hamilton and Family

  • My thoughts and my prayers are with your family.

  • KAREN I JUST KNEW YOU THROUGH CHRIS ON FACEBOOK..YOU LOOKED SO NICE AND EVERYONE SPOKE KIND OF YOU.I DON’T HAVE ANY MORE WORDS THAT I FEEL WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER CHRIS I KNOW THAT. I WILL PRAY FOR YOU EVERYDAY AND I KNOW GOD WILL HELP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THIS TIME OF NEED.AMEN

  • So sorry for the loss of your loving wife and mother. May God give you peace in this time of sadness.

  • Chris I am so sorry for your loss

  • Chris, so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.

  • Dear Family,

    Thora/Pete/Mark/Karen are now looking down on you.

    Your family has special place in my heart…always had.
    Working w/ Pete watching kids grow, marry, sharing many wonderful
    memories and love.

    Beverly and I will be there…Karen’s not suffering anymore–she’s w/
    Mom/Dad/Mark.

    Love,
    Beverly and Arnie

  • Chris and family , I am so sorry for your loss . Keeping you in thoughts and prayers . Elana and John

  • Although we knew Karen for a short time, every time we were with Karen she always made us feel like it was a lifetime.

  • Most sincere thoughts love and prayers are offered for you Chris and the entire extended family.
    So glad to have you and Karen as friends.

  • Will always remember Karen as loving and sweet. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • Dear Chris and family,
    I’m so sorry for your loss. Although I can’t even remember which high school classes we were in together, I will forever remember Karen’s hilarious laughter and faces she made when either she or I didn’t know what the teacher was talking about. May her spirit remain in your hearts. In sympathy, Cathy Norton Sprague

  • Chris, I am deeply saddened by the news of your wife’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and those who have been touched by Karen’s life. Thinking of you all!! Ellen Calvarese

  • Very sorry for your loss, Chris.

  • Chris
    We were so sorry to hear about Karen. She touched everyone’s life. Our thoughts are with you.
    B&T

  • I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I only met Karen a few times since I know Elise. My family’s thoughts and love are with you and yours in this time of sorrow.

    Sincerely,
    The Aellis Family

  • Through this tragedy real love was exemplified. A story of courage unfolded. A mother’s strength resounded, a husband’s commitment refined and a families example honored. God Bless you with deepest sympathy…

  • Dear Chris, Elise, Andrew, Chris Jr., & Everlee: We are so sorry for your loss. Your family has shown true love and devotion throughout this entire experience. Thank you for sharing the progress, prayer requests and your experiences with us. Karen was so blessed to have your as her family. We all were personally touched by the love and care that you showered upon her. You are in our prayers.

  • Chris,
    I am sorry for your loss. Karen was a remarkable woman who loved life. Hold on to those wonderful 35 years of memories you share together, they will help you through these difficult times. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Sorry for your loss Chris, I know there are not any words to express what you are going through, thoughts and prayers.

    Kim

  • We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Karen. She had a beautiful twinkle in her eye that you couldn’t help but gravitate towards.
    We pray that you find comfort in the warm and beautiful memories you’ve all shared.
    God Bless
    Don & Karen Mordus

  • Dear Chris and Family,

    So sorry for your loss and please know you have been in our thoughts and prayers since we learned what you were facing. I can say, your strength, faith and love for one another is a testimony to all us how to cherish every moment, you did that with so much grace. God bless and may Karen’s memories and spirit continue to live on through her beautiful family. For me, I will always remember you Chris and Karen loving to dance, especially to her favorite “one hit wonders” you teased her about, so sweet.

  • My deepest sympathy to Chris and family for the sad loss of dear Karen. I did not know Karen for a long time, but the two times I met and talked with her, I was amazed at her courage and her ability to smile and offer me some comfort for a personal loss I was going through. She gave me a hug and made me feel better. I hope she feels at peace now and is suffering no more. God bless you, Karen, and may the Rowe family find strength in knowing people care. Thank you for that hug that day!

  • Dear Chris and Family,

    We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. Please know we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

    Tom and Jennifer Carson

  • I have such a heavy heart for all of you. I spent so much time with the Scarponi Family. We were crazy Arden kids. Mr. And Mrs. Scarponi treated me like one of their own. Mark, Lauren, Karen and I laughed and loved a lot. Karen has always had a great sense of humor and genuine kindness. My deepest sympathy to all of you who loved her so dearly.
    Norma Jean

  • Dear Chris,
    Having lost my beautiful Grace about this time last year, I can only imagine what you must be feeling right now. Draw strength and love from family, fiends and those close to you. I only met Karen once, and even then I knew she was special. Being without the one you loved for so many years will not be easy, It think about Grace every day. Sometimes the tears will come over me like a tsunami, but rather that, then no tears at all. I feel her presence every day, and I thank God I do. It’s His way of letting me know that I am not alone in this world, there is a life to come in his presence with Grace. Karen will be a part of your life and your family’s lives for as long as you live,and thereafter in the World to come. My prayers and thoughts are with you, my friend.

  • Chris,
    You and your family are in our prayers. Though I have known you for just a short time, your love and devotion toward Karen was very evident and foremost in your life. For her, the battle is over. She is resting peacefully in the presence of Jesus Christ. May God give you peace and comfort.

  • Dear Chris and Family:

    Words alone cannot express how sad I am to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. May God forever Bless you and your Family.

  • Chris, George and I are so sorry for your loss. I know you are terribly saddened, but please remember that you have so many memories of the wonderful life you two shared and those will comfort you in the days, weeks and years to come.

  • My thoughts are with you Chris and your family. Karen put up a hard fight and you were a wonderful care giver to her. I am touched by your great love you have for Karen. My prayers are with you.

  • Chris,

    Karen has been ” Set Free ” sad for the ones left behind but she is no longer in pain.

    Ed Wilberg
    Concierge Home Sale
    Set Free Realty Group

  • I just heard the news and i’m saddened by your loss. Prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.

  • Chris: I am so sorry for your loss. Condolences and prayers. May your grief be short and your memory long.

  • Chris and family of Karen:

    I have so many wonderful memories of Karen from the days working together at the Acme with the whole gang. It was always great to catch up from time to time (albeit far too seldom). She was a spirited, fun-loving and wonderful person. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you and the family as you manage through this difficult time.

  • Chris, Thinking of you and your family during these sad times. Just celebrate the life and good times you all had together. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.

  • Chris and family we are so sorry for your loss our prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bess you

  • Chris and Family,

    We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Karen always had a smile on her face when she talked about you and her children. It didn’t matter how much pain she was in, she always wanted to make sure everyone else was ok. One of her greatest moments was when she found out she was going to be a grandmother!

    Karen was such a strong person and tried not to let her pain take over. She was determined to beat this terrible disease, and fought to the very end. Karen is in heaven now, looking over all of you, and wanting you to know she is in a better place. Cherish the memories you have as she would want you to and laugh like she always did. She is resting in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Bob and Mary Taylor

  • Chris,
    Your love for Karen is inspiring. How great it must have been for her to have you with her through this battle. With deep sympathy I wish peace to you and your family.

  • Chris, I just got the news and I am so sorry. I never met Karen but the pictures you posted were of a beautiful soul. You could see it in her eyes. Hold on to those years of memories that you made. They will be a great comfort. I hold on to mine of my wonderful husband, Lee. My prayers are with you and your children and family, Cindy Baynum

  • Chris,

    My family and I are very sorry for the loss of your beloved Karen. Please accept our sincerest condolences.

    “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”. Psalm 34: 18.

  • Dear Chris, Elise, and entire family – I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. You are in my heart and prayers at this time. Karen was a very loving, fun person to be around. She had such a wonderful laugh. I remember her back in our days at MTP ( she was good friends to my twin sister)…then at every reunion thereafter. We enjoyed ourselves so much. Karen was always happy and ready to mingle with her classmates. I am hoping to attend her service tomorrow but work obligations might keep me from being there. I know that Karen gave it the good fight!! Do know that she will be lovingly remembered .
    In peace ..
    Denise Bernhard Way – Class of 76

  • Chris – My hope is that you’ll find comfort in knowing what a blessed husband and caretaker you were for your beloved Karen. My deepest condolences.
    Peace and blessings,
    Trish Shores

  • I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I regret that I did’nt spend more time with her. She was a special person and she loved you all very much. I will miss her. She lives on in her children and granddaughter. And in the hearts of everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

  • Chris & Family,

    I am so sorry for your loss.

    Dominic (Friday breakfast friend)

  • Chris and family we are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

  • Chris, My prayers are with you and your family as you move forward without your dear Karen. Bev

  • Chris and family your in my prayers and Karen is no doubt in the best place any of us will ever be in. Cherish your memories and celebrate her life with you all.

  • So sorry for your loss, Chris. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Joe Limmina and Family

  • Chris and family: So sorry for your loss, may you find peace in the memory of such a courageous and graceful woman and strength from family and friends. Our deepest sympathy.

  • Both Tarek and I are so broken hearted over Karen, but we know she has gone home and is an Angel watching over all of us. Karen was a beautiful person in our lives for many years in Delaware as she helped me raise Tarek. She would be proud to know he has grown up and that she played a big role in making that happen. Our prayers are with the entire family. Love Bellverie and Tarek

  • Chris,

    I found out today that Karen passed. I truly am sorry and wish I could ease your pain. It was easily seen by everyone the love you both shared and the deep respect you had for each other. Keep Karen’s infectious laugh and bright smile close to you – it will carry you through. Please know we are keeping you and your family in our prayers.

    Kim and Scott Jones

  • Chris I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know your beautiful wife but read with my heart, thoughts iand prayers over the years how hard she fought and how you were so present for her throughout her fight. May she rest in peace and you and your family be surrounded by loving family and memories.

  • Chris, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of emptiness. You have lost the most precious partner in life and your children have lost the dearest, and most understanding Mom in their.

  • Chris and children,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this times of emptiness.
    Chris you have lost part of you, the most precious person in your life.
    Your children their loving and caring Mom anyone could ever have.
    Just remember Karen is looking down on all of you and is in no more pain.

  • Dear Chris and family, I am so sorry that Karen has left this world so suddenly and so young. I know that you both have shared many happy years together. She really treated me so good while I dated her dad. I am so sorry that I didn’t get to go to the funeral but I knew nothing about her passing. Also I don’t get the paper. So I beg you to forgive me because I really wanted to be there.I know that God put her on a pedastool in heaven. Someday we will all be with her.God be with you and all your family. Love always, Mary