Karen Lynn Stefancic, 57; Credit Analyst, Volunteer with the Greenwich Library Oral History Project

From Castiglione Funeral Home.

Karen Lynn Stefancic, 57, passed away on Wednesday June 11, after a brief and sudden illness surrounded by people who loved her.

Karen is survived by her partner of 34 years, Greg Casadei; parents Delores and Marvin Kiesow; as well as a brother Ken, sister-in-law Karin, and a niece and nephew, all residing in Wisconsin.

Karen spent her childhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated in 1975 from The University School. She received her BA from Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts in 1980.

After several years in New York City working for Bergdorf Goodman in Retail Finance, she attended the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University where she earned her MBA. Karen resumed the remainder of her illustrious career in New York City as a Corporate Banker and Security Analyst specializing in media, cable and telecommunications. She began her career at Citibank, advancing successfully to Credit du Nord and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Finally, she worked at the NAIC as a Credit Analyst. where she remained until her untimely death.

Karen will be sorely missed by her dear friends, to whom she was intensely loyal. For many years she was the Alumni President of Society Zeta Alpha of Wellesley College. She worked tirelessly to raise and manage money for the Society’s “little white house”. Nearly single-handedly, she kept the one hundred year old house on campus funded for repairs and construction projects, so that the house would remain viable for current students.

She served the Greenwich community through her work with the Oral History Department at the Greenwich Library. Her rescued cats, Tucker and Shadow, were a joy in her life. She loved the beach, classical music, and particularly Motown music. Karen was known in the post-college days for her high style and active social life. She adored old movies; and was an incurable romantic. Whenever those who love her hear a song by Earth, Wind and Fire, we will picture Karen dancing.

A memorial service is planned for Karen at 11am on Monday, June 15 at the Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.castiglionefh.com

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Karen, please send a donation to: Society Zeta Alpha, c/o Wellesley College, 106 Central St, Wellesley, MA 02481 ATTN: Karen L Stefancic Memorial Fund.