Karen Brodbeck

Karen Myers Brodbeck, 81, passed away on October 4, 2026 in Chatham, New Jersey.

Born on January 23, 1945 in Montclair, she grew up in Montclair and Cedar Grove. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1962 and earned her nursing degree from St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing (New York City) in 1965. She worked at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair for several years.

Karen married her high school sweetheart, Bruce Brodbeck, on January 28, 1967. Together, they settled in Verona, New Jersey, where they raised their six children and where Karen made her home for over fifty years.

A nurse by training, she carried that spirit into every part of her life, giving generously to her family, friends, church, schools and community. She was an active volunteer at Our Lady of the Lake School, where her children attended elementary school, and within the broader community. Caring for others came naturally to her. She was known for the warm and welcoming home she created for both her children and their many friends earning her the nickname “Sweet Kay.”

Karen had a remarkable way of making people feel remembered and appreciated. A prolific writer, she kept in touch the old-fashioned way with handwritten notes and cards and never missed an opportunity to celebrate a milestone, recognize an accomplishment, express gratitude or offer comfort. She also had a gift for forming friendships wherever life took her, creating lasting bonds with neighbors, colleagues, communities and the many people she came to know through her children’s schools and activities.

Karen took pleasure in reading, journaling and gardening and cherished her summers at the Jersey shore and her time spent with lifelong friends. She was especially proud to be a St. Vincent's nurse and enjoyed over six decades of visits, reunions and travels with her “forever friends.” Proud of her Irish heritage, she treasured family traditions and the sense of connection they created.

Above all, Karen’s life centered on family. A devoted mother of six and proud grandmother of thirteen, she found her greatest happiness in the lives her children built and the closeness they continued to share. Grandma Kay adored her grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to attend a school or sporting event. She was an enthusiastic babysitter and frequent travel companion, joining family on trips to Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Tennessee, Ireland, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Croatia and beyond. Nothing meant more than being present for the people she loved.

Karen was predeceased by her husband, Bruce Brodbeck, and parents, Thomas and Catherine (Washington) Myers.

She is survived by her loving children, Susan Brodbeck Agnew, Cathleen Brodbeck (Kevin O’Connor), Kevin Brodbeck, Sheila Brodbeck (Miro Pasic), Elizabeth Mercogliano (Robert) and Meghan Kim (Johan); and her cherished grandchildren, Patrick, Jack and Kevin Agnew; Laila, Aidan and Gavin Pasic; Charlie and James Brodbeck; Sean and Drew Mercogliano; and Connor, Grace and Emily Kim. She is also survived by her sister, Eileen Myers; her brother, James Myers (Debra); and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visiting will be held in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Friday, October 9th from 4:00-7:00pm. A funeral mass will be offered on Saturday, October 10th at 10:00 am in Our Lady of the Lake Church, 28 Lakeside Avenue, Verona.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory to Our Lady of the Lake School via the OLL Fund (https://myoll.org/donate) in Verona would be appreciated.