GoFundMe Page Established for Kara Kovlakas, Norwalk Teacher Who Passed Away

NORWALK, CT — Marvin Elementary School third grade teacher Kara Kovlakas, 32, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 13, and a GoFundMe page has been established by the Norwalk Police Union to help her husband, Andy, and two children, Aydan and Ari.

As of today, Oct. 17, more than $98,000 has been raised toward a goal of $115,000.

"On October 13, 2016, Kara Kovlakas passed away suddenly leaving behind her husband Andy and their two children Aydan (4) and Ari (9 months)," the police union wrote on GoFundMe. "A native of Norwalk, CT, Kara was loved by all who knew her, including her family, friends, co-workers at Marvin Elementary School and her students, both past and present.

"This page has been established as a tribute to Kara's life, and to help defray the impending challenges that lay ahead for her husband and their children.

"The members of the Norwalk Police Union extend our deepest sympathies to our brother, Officer Andy Kovlakas. We hope this page will help ease his burden, and we committ our support and love to Andy, Aydan, Ari, and all of their loved ones."

Click here to view the GoFundMe page for Kara Kovlakas.

Below is the obituary for Kara Kovlakas from the Collins Funeral Home in Norwalk. Calling hours are this evening, Oct. 17, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, located at 92 East Ave. in Norwalk, and a funeral service will be celebrated Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m. in St. George’s Church, 238 West Rocks Road Norwalk:

Kara Kathleen Kovlakas, 32, wife of Andy Kovlakas, of Trumbull, passed on Thursday, October 13 th at home. She was born on October 14, 1983, in Norwalk, CT, the daughter of Margaret Morrow and the late Bruce Morrow.

Kara graduated from Norwalk High School in 2001, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Arizona in 2005 and a Master’s degree in Teaching from Sacred Heart University in 2010. Kara spent the last 11 years as an elementary school teacher at Marvin Elementary in Norwalk.

She truly loved guiding and teaching young people in the community she grew up in. Kara spent every spare minute with her beautiful children and family who she cherished. Kara was the brightest light in any room with the most amazing smile and she will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Andy Kovlakas of Trumbull and their children, Aydan and Ari, her mother, Margaret Morrow of Norwalk, five sisters, Kimberly Abbazia (Joesph) of Cos Cob, Stephanie Peckham (Gray) of Fairfield, Lauren Shrage (Robert) of Trumbull, Kyle DiScala (George) of Norwalk, Jenna Garry (Brian) of Norwalk. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her father, Bruce Morrow and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Friends may call, Monday from 4 pm to 8 pm at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave., Norwalk, CT. A funeral service will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 am in St. George’s Church, 238 West Rocks Rd., Norwalk, CT. Burial will be private.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a GoFundMe website set up in Kara’s honor by the Norwalk Police Union. (www.gofundme.com/karakovlakas)