Karen Brown passed away peacefully in her home on November 4, 2023, after a brave battle against cancer. She was 61 years old. Karen was born on June 18, 1962, the daughter of Donald and Patricia Sudy and sister to Susan McCarty and Doreen Vollmer.

After graduating from Wantagh High School, Karen went on to obtain a BS in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Karen began her career as an environmental engineering consultant and then decided to pursue her interest in mathematics by becoming an actuary. She married her husband, Neil, in the Spring of 1988. Karen took a short break from the workforce when they had their two children, Kurt and Dana. She then began her new career in the area of human resources at Hofstra University.

Karen loved walking, enjoying a cup of coffee with her friends, and reading a great book. She also loved learning about animals and wildlife from all over the world. She was a loving wife, selfless mother and incredible friend and will be missed by everyone who's life she touched.

In lieu of flowers, Karen would love if you chose to donate to one of the following organizations:

The Wilds at Columbus Zoo (thewilds.org)

The Bronx Zoo (bronxzoo.com)

American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org)

Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehab (lasthopeanimalrescue.org)