Karen Louise MᶜGinnes
June 11, 1960 - January 20, 2026
Karen Louise MᶜGinnes, age 65, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Born in Wilmington, DE on June 11, 1960, she was the daughter of Elaine Charlotte (Durand) Olenderski and the late Walter John Olenderski. Karen was a proud graduate of Conrad High School. She made her career at Amazon for 20 years, where she built many meaningful friendships, retiring in 2023.
Karen’s passions were as vibrant as her personality. She loved gardening, being outdoors, spending time at the beach—especially crabbing and clamming—enjoying baseball, traveling, cooking and canning, and trying out new places to eat. Karen built a life centered around family. She treasured time with them and she dedicated her life to supporting, loving, and caring for them. Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her father, Karen was preceded in death by her nephew, also named Walter Olenderski; and her aunt, Doris. She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Edward Joseph “Joe” MᶜGinnes; children, Amy (Ira) and Danny (Dana); loving mother, Elaine; brothers, Kenny (Kim) and Mick (Cathy); cherished grandchildren, Brandon, Kayla, Trinity, and Trenton; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Holy Spirit R.C. Church, 12 Winder Road, New Castle, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s memory to the Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, P.O. Box 5042 Hagerstown MD 21741-5042 or online by clicking here.
Brandon
I love you mom mom forever in my heart until I see you again <3
Lindora Goodwin
Wishing you comfort , peace and strength in the days ahead
Dave Harris
To all of Karen’s family, we are deeply saddened by her loss. She was an amazing co-worker and friend. I hope you find comfort during this difficult time knowing how much she meant to all of us and the joy she imparted on our lives.
Susan Burns
Love you and will miss you
Condolences to your family
Till I see you again ❤️❤️
Lida parag
Karen and I first met at the new castle Amazon. She was funny and caring and loved by all that we’re blessed to know her. She will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to her family who she deeply loved.
Bev Dant
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sherry Roher
To the family my deepest condolences, Karen will be deeply missed 😢 💔
Ashaki Price
I want to extend my sincerest condolences to Karen’s family. She was an amazing light that will never be diminished. I met her a long time ago and learned so much from her. May her memory live on through everyone she loved admired and respected.
Jeanine Fox
I’m so sorry about your loss. I worked with her at Amazon. She was a beautiful soul
Candie Poole
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Karen was am amazing person and great co-worker.
Julie
Karen was a devoted mom and loyal friend. I will miss her immensely but I will enjoy my of her memories every time I think of her. I hope memories of Karen will comfort her family too. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Anna Marie Davis
May peace n comfort be with Karen’s family n friends.May The Lord welcome Karen’s soul into his kingdom n may she rest in peace.You will be missed my friend❤️❤️
Debbie Haggerty
Karen you will be missed so much. I will always remember the goods times we had at Robin’s house. I’m so glad I was there to meet you and we be came good friends. You will be missed and I’ll always remember you. Rest In Peace my friend!♥️
Andre Fincher
Karen was a light in my life during one of my darkest seasons. When I was in the hospital, she showed up not out of obligation, but out of love. I will never forget that. Her kindness, strength, and presence meant more than words can express. I am grateful for her life, her friendship, and the care she showed so freely. She will always be remembered. Though her journey here has ended, her love and example remain. My heart is with her family and all who were blessed to know her.
David Bright
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to her family and to her so many friends that came to know Karen along her journey. She was very welcoming to me anyone else who had the privilege of working with her at PHL1. I will remember her smile, her positive energy and her hugs.
Little (Ira)
As Long As I Knew Her I Never Felt Like She Judged Me In Anyway She Knew All Of My Secrets And We Had Many Long Talks And I Received Many Letters From Her And For The Last 13 Yrs I Was With Amy I Built A Relationship With Her She Grew To Love Me And Also Loved Her Like A Second MOM I Will Always Hold Her In My Heart She Will Be Missed By Me Deeply As Well As Many Others But I Know The Angel YOU Are Now YOU Will Be With Us Looking Down On Us LOVE YOU Mrs McGinnis
Lisa Sabatino
I can honestly say that Karen was always very kind to me at work and always tried to help I think she was exceptional and so today I have a heavy heart ❤️
Judy Gibbons
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. We had many good times together. As soon as I heard of Karen’s passing, my thoughts went back to earlier years when she was so full of life and not fighting this horrible disease. I am heartbroken that I did not get to see her before she passed. My heart is at peace knowing she is no longer in pain. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Love Bob & Judy Gibbons & family