Karen W. (Rousseau) Stroh, age 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025 surrounded by her loving children.
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on November 11, 1945, Karen was the daughter of the late Eugene and Catherine (Kilmer) Rousseau.
Karen’s greatest accomplishments in life were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved them with all of her heart and they adored her. She moved from Queens, NY to a horse farm in South Hamilton, NY where she started a successful riding stable business, The Circle S, which later became affiliated with Colgate University.
As a trailblazing woman in the 1970’s, she became the first female little league baseball coach in a small town called Poolville, NY and took the Poolville Red Sox to the championship. She enjoyed coaching and mentoring all children, not just her own. Her passion instilled the love for athletics in her own children, and she always attended their games.
Karen worked at Sherburne Earlville High School in the special education department to enhance the lives of special needs children in the community. Karen also worked at Chesebrough Ponds in the quality control group and later at technical companies when she moved back to Springfield, MA. She retired to become the best grandmother, Kiki, and eventually great-grandmother to all of her “babies.”
Karen was a passionate Buffalo Bills fan; her family knew that on Sundays she would be watching “her football.” She also loved her television programs and loved game shows while drinking a cold can of Coca-Cola. Christmas and birthdays gave Karen great joy. Karen was also deeply vested in her faith.
Karen is survived by her sons and daughters, Thomas Stroh, and his wife Karin of Houghton, NY; Gene Stroh, and his wife Brandi of Monson, MA; Dawn Stroh of Billerica, MA; and Gina Utegg, and her husband Michael of Harrison, ME. Her brother, Richard ‘Skip’ Rousseau, and his wife Rosemary of West Springfield, MA. Her grandchildren, Matthew (Brittany) Reid, Kevin Reid, Amanda (Dan) Abbott, Rachael (Bryan) Boylston, Gene Daniel Stroh, Samantha Stroh, Hailey Stroh, and Cooper Calo. Her great-grandchildren, Matthew Reid, Jr. and Eloise Reid. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and life-long friends Ruthie, Vicki, and Peggy.
In addition to her parents, Karen was predeceased by her brother, Lawrence ‘Butch’ Rousseau, sister, Mary Fournier, and her niece, Angela Fournier.
A Celebration of Karen’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s memory to Shriners Hospital for Children.
