Karen V. Fowler, age 86, of Newtown, beloved wife of the late Richard “Dick” Fowler, passed away surrounded by family on April 10, 2024. Born in Bridgeport in 1937 she was the daughter of Frederick and Viola (Nichols) Seelgen.

Karen spent her formative years practicing acrobatics and ballet and performed at the halftime shows for Harding High School football games. She went on to dance at various venues in New York City and was always happy to teach anyone ballet positions or shuffle, ball, change, the basics of tap dance.

Karen earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching from University of Bridgeport and her master’s degree and sixth year certificate from Fairfield University.

Karen raised her family in Trumbull while teaching at Samuel Staples Elementary School in Easton. She taught countless students, as well as directed several school plays, and made a deep impact on her students. She often received letters from appreciative students, some of whom became teachers due to Karen’s influence.

During the summer she could be found tending to her glorious flower and vegetable garden. Karen knew that it took dirty fingernails to produce plump juicy tomatoes. Along with having a green thumb, Karen loved traveling, watching and feeding birds, singing, writing birthday poems, and cheering for UConn womens’ basketball.

Nothing compared to the joy Karen received from spending time with her family. She was always at the ready to help with homework, read to her grandchildren, give a ride, cook a meal, or watch a hockey game. She was witty, creative, quick to laugh, and really enjoyed a good joke.

After retirement, she and Dick moved to Newtown and spent their winters in Siesta Key, Fla. Friendships came easily for Karen and she made lifelong friends at Sunrise Cove, Town & Country Garden Club, and Newtown Congregational Church.

Karen will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her two sons, Christopher Fowler (Lynn) of Newtown, and David Fowler (Debbie) of Cheshire; seven cherished grandchildren, Camden, Colby, Chelsea, Annie, Wade, Troy, and Bradley; her brother Clayton Seelgen (Lori); and nephew Grant.

The family would like to acknowledge Karen’s aides who cared for her on a daily basis with compassion, dignity, and humor through the complications of dementia. Thank you Denise, Donna, Rosanne, and Kayla. Thank you also to RVNA Hospice.

A Memorial Service is planned for Sunday, April 28, at 3 pm, at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street in Newtown. If you desire, plant a tree or shrub or contribute to a charity of your choice to honor Karen’s life and love of nature. To leave an online condolence, visit abriola.com.