Community Mourns the Loss of Karen Beth Twiss at 75

Karen Beth Twiss, a beloved member of her community, passed away on August 23, 2025, at the age of 75. Her life was marked by personal achievements, a passion for sports, and a commitment to helping others. Born on January 15, 1950, in Bloomfield, Connecticut, she was the daughter of two English teachers and graduated from Bloomfield High School.

After completing her studies at Goddard College, Karen settled in Willimantic, Connecticut, where she married Hallie Krider, originally from Madison, Wisconsin. Their marriage lasted for 33 years until Hallie’s passing. Karen’s professional journey included significant contributions in marketing communications at Rogers Corporation in Rogers, Connecticut.

Beyond her career, Karen was a passionate supporter of women’s collegiate basketball, particularly the UConn Huskies. She closely followed the careers of renowned players such as Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. Her activism extended to serving as President of the Northeast Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Center, where she made a lasting impact on her community.

In her retirement, Karen relocated to Jamestown, Rhode Island, where she developed a keen interest in photography. She studied at the Newport Art Museum and the Maine Photographic Workshops, enjoying the creative process in her darkroom. As president of the Conanicut Island Art Association, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Town Hall Gallery, an exhibition space dedicated to local artists.

Karen’s adventurous spirit took her to Stuart, Florida, where she joined the Saint Lucie Sailing Club. There, she fostered friendships and often participated in sailing races. One of her memorable experiences included crewing on a club member’s sailboat during the Abaco Race Week in the Bahamas.

Her legacy includes cherished relationships with her partner, Patrick Gertner, and his family in Rochester, New York, along with close friends such as Craig, Asta, and Annie. Karen is survived by her son, Scott Punty (Magdalena), three stepchildren, Nathan (Erin), Daniel (Jennifer), and Kathleen Krider, along with their families. She also leaves behind a nephew, Gabriel Pelletier (Jaqueline), a niece, Anna Ratte, and several cousins.

Karen shared her home with beloved dogs, including Bear, an Airedale known for his playful antics, and Battywags, an exuberant English Cocker Spaniel.

A private celebration of Karen’s life is planned, reflecting the personal nature of her relationships and the impact she had on those around her. Her contributions to her community and her passions will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.