Karen Bartron

Karen Bartron passed from this life on Thursday, April 4th at Yale New Haven Hospital after a years long and courageous battle with cancer .

Born on August 31st, 1957  in Phillipsburg New Jersey, Karen was the second of 5 children born to Herbert and Hildamay Bartron.  The family moved through various parts of Kentucky and Illinois and saw the remainder of the country from the backseat of their family wagon after  planting their roots in Norwalk Connecticut. Karen attended Norwalk High School, where she played flute in the Marching Band, sang in the Chorus, played Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball.   She later earned her Bachelors Degree in Leadership at Charter Oak College.

Karen brought light and laughter into the lives of all who knew her. Known for her infectious smile and kind heart, Karen touched countless lives with her unwavering compassion and boundless love. She had a unique gift for making everyone feel cherished and valued, weaving a tapestry of love and friendship wherever she went. 

Karen was born to shop. To this day any great shopping value find is known as a “Bartron Bargain” . She quickly built a name for herself in purchasing, first in industry, where among other things she worked in acquisition for the company making lenses for the Hubble Telescope. Where she really made her mark was in School Administration .  Karen ran Purchasing and Transportation for the School Department in Ridgefield CT for many years before settling into her position as Head of Purchasing for Norwalk Public Schools. Her passion was in finding solutions for school programs that were big on need and short on budget. Risers for the high school band, book shelves for the library, funding for school lunch. She always found a way to get it done.

Karen’s most proud role in life was that of Mom. She happily put her passion and energy into the programs that helped her children grow and thrive. She was PTO President, Popcorn Colonel for the Cub Scouts, fundraiser and travel driver for the Boy Scouts, cheerleader for the Little League. If it helped the kids, she dove in with both feet, loved every minute of it, and brought joy and results to those who dove in alongside her.

Karen is survived by her husband Rich Wellen, and two sons, Daniel Wellen and Spencer Wellen all of whom already miss her tremendously. She is also survived by her Mother Hildamay Bartron of Allenstown, NH, Sister Ann Drechsel and husband Bob of Waldwick, NJ, Sister Dawn Shimberg and husband Jim of Campton NH, Sister Gayle Kenney of Epping, NH and Brother Herb Bartron of Crest Hill, IL.

The family will welcome visitors at Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Calling hours will be Wednesday, April 10th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a prayer service officiated by the Reverand John Livingston.