Born in New Haven to Edward James Brennan, Jr. and Jane von Beren Brennan August 25, 1947. Karen grew up in Guilford and graduated the Guilford High School class of 1965 and went on to attend Mount Ida College in Newton Center, MA. Karen settled in Wallingford and was employed by Blue Cross & Blue Shield and its affiliate Connecticut American Life Insurance Company for nearly 30 years. She was a member of the Wallingford Elks Lodge 1365 and was an auxiliary member of the Wallingford VFW Post 591. Karen enjoyed fun family times, antiques, gardening, cooking and always had fond memories of her times at the cottage. She enjoyed her book club and loved reminiscing about family, friends and times long passed. She loved day trips and vacations with her granddaughters and referred to them as "the lights of my life". Karen wished to acknowledge Edward Atkinson and Brian Snedeker for being special friends all through the years. Karen is predeceased by her younger brother, Edward J. Brennan III, and is survived by her son William M. Porter and his wife Lori of Killingworth, two grand daughters; Sarah & Katherine Porter. She is also survived by her brother; David R. Brennan and his wife Pam of Brunswick, Maine along with three nephews and one brand new great niece. Karen leaves behind several uncles, aunts and cousins with whom she loved and would always maintain contact through calls and visits. Our family would like to thank the Yale New Haven Hospital specifically the compassion of the Doctors, Nurses and staff that oversaw her care. We also would like to thank her friends and neighbors for the overwhelming support while she was at home.

Calling hours will be from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Hawley Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Guilford on Wednesday, December 28th, 2016. Interment will be at 11:00am on Thursday, December 29th, 2016 at the Alderbrook Cemetery, Guilford. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society. To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.