Karen (Bollard) Bertoli

The world grew a little more pale—and heaven a little more colorful—on March 23, 2026, when Karen Ann Bertoli (Bollard), age 77, slipped peacefully from Torrington, CT into eternity. After 55 years of marriage to her beloved Richard E. Bertoli Sr., she now leaves him with a lifetime of stories, laughter, and the kind of love that never really fades.
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Born and raised in Torrington, Karen was the cherished youngest daughter of Alfred John Bollard Sr. and Bertha Edna Bollard (Neidt). A proud graduate of Torrington High School, she spent her life wearing many hats—homemaker, sales associate, medical billing assistant, manufacturing assembler—but the title she wore most naturally was maker of beautiful things. There wasn’t a craft she couldn’t charm into life: baked goods, painting, quilting, jewelry making, clay sculpting, crocheting, sewing—you name it, she could turn it into magic.

A faithful member of First Congregational Church, Karen filled her retirement with joyful creativity and generous service. When she wasn’t busy crafting wonders, she was out in the community, giving her time, talent, and warmth through the many clubs she loved.
Karen leaves behind a large family who will carry forwardher creativity: her husband; her four sons and spouses,Richard Bertoli Jr. and Patricia Batsie, Kevin and Wendy Bertoli, Michael Bertoli and Shannon Brown, Brandon and Bridget Bertoli; and her treasured grandchildren Breanna, Veronica, Hannah, Riley, Elijah, Owen, Judah, and Margaret. Each of them carries a piece of her
creativity and kindness. She rejoins the her parents and siblings,Alfred Bollard Jr., Robert Bollard, and Joan Campanelli (Bollard), no doubt with hugs and kisses.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on April 11th at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 835 Riverside Avenue, Torrington, CT—a place she knew well and loved deeply.

Flowers for Karen’s memorial may be delivered to the church before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Karen’s name to the Alzheimer Association, a cause close to the hearts of many who loved

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