Karen was blessed enough to marry her best friend, Joseph Cardiello, and made great friends wherever she called home. She raised two daughters and a son with her husband, and was able to give seven grandchildren the joy that comes with having a loving and caring grandmother. Without hesitation, Gran would dress up as Elmo for a birthday, or be willing to buy the extra animal snow cone cup at the circus to make her grandchildren's day.

Karen was born September 30, 1946 in Jersey City, New Jersey. She fondly remembered her childhood spending her summers tanning and relaxing on the Jersey Shore. She would spend her time with her siblings, Judy and Walter, exploring the activities available in New Jersey. Later in life, she was an office manager of Dr. Boehm's dental practice where she spent several enjoyable years.

For many years, Karen enjoyed the sisterhood of Beta Sigma Phi where she held various leadership positions.  The altruistic philosophy of Beta Sigma Phi fit perfectly with Karen's giving personality.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2006, Karen began to lose the ability to care for herself and reluctantly accepted aide. Her resilient personality made her fight with grit and determination until her last breath. Her family is at peace knowing Karen lived her life to the fullest and has passed on her best virtues to everyone she touched.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Joe; brother Walter (Shell) Beese, sister Judy (Bruce) Stauch, daughter, Dawn (Tom) McCarthy of Houston, Texas, son Jay Cardiello of Safety Harbor, Florida, and daughter Lauren (Brock) Carney of Joplin, Missouri. She was blessed with seven grandchildren, Caite (Jeff) Beck, Sarah Carney, Joshua Cardiello, Gregory Carney, Thomas McCarthy, Jacob Cardiello, and Michael Carney.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Marie and Walter (Poppy) Beese.

Karen was a devout Catholic her entire life, and was a member of the various parishes that she touched with her presence throughout the places that her life took her, including New Jersey, Illinois, Florida, West Virginia, and Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who were touched by Karen's life donate to the Houston Area Parkinson's Society ( https://www.hapsonline.org/ ).