After a lengthy illness, Karen S. Reheis passed away peacefully Sept. 8, 2022, at the age of 64, surrounded by her family. Karen was the daughter of Claire Gormley Reheis and Daniel Crosby Reheis.
Karen was born in Orange and lived in East Orange until moving to South Plainfield. The family moved to Murray Hill in 1964 and then Glen Ellyn, Illinois, in 1973. Karen graduated from Glenbard South High School before moving back to Middletown with her family in 1976. She attended Brookdale Community College and then graduated from Bloomfield College with a business administration degree.
In 1979 she began her career at Engelhard Corporation in Newark, advancing to their Union facility as production manager, then relocating to the Menlo Park Corporate Office. Karen moved to Society Hill in Tinton Falls and was on the board of trustees for a year.
Over the years, Karen gained many friends from various groups and enjoyed spending time on Long Beach Island with her family and friends. Her passions were many, including her nieces and nephews who with her formed many Christmas traditions that will be missed.
Karen’s others hobbies were crocheting, needle work and music. In particular, she enjoyed many years of bowling leagues with both friends and Engelhard colleagues. She enjoyed many years spending time and creating friendships with the Shorty Long Band.
She was predeceased by her father and is survived by her mother and sisters, Virginia Niven (Douglas) and Linda States Van Leer (William); nieces Courtney Niven (Goddaughter), Alyson Niven, Ryann States (Mathew Keller) and Erin States; nephews David States (Godson) and Daniel States (Julie); and great-nephew Logan Keller, and soon-to-be-baby States.
Karen will be missed by her loving cats, Emmy and Cocoa.
Her family wants to pay special thanks to her devoted caregivers, Maria and Julie, for their friendship, love and compassionate care over the years. Karen leaves behind many longtime and childhood friends who have remained devoted to their friendship. She was loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Visitation was held Sept. 16 at the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A funeral ceremony was held Sept. 17 at the funeral home. Karen’s final resting place will be Fair View Cemetery.
Donations can be made in Karen’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the MS Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
The article originally appeared in the September 22 – 28, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
