Karen L (Gostyla) Gubbiotti

Karen Louise Gostyla Gubbiotti was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, and dedicated her life to caring for children. She was born on July 18th, 1951 in Stamford, CT, and passed on October 8th, 2021 in Harwinton, CT after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She is predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Louise Gostyla, and her daughter, Sara Gubbiotti, who died at birth.

Karen was the proud mother of Lauren and Steven Abric, and loving step-mother to Katie, Laura, and Michael Gubbiotti, in addition to several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She was a devoted wife of 32 years to Bob Gubbiotti, and leaves behind her loving sister, Laurie Gostyla Gardner.

Karen’s passion for children inspired her to open Storytime Daycare in Bristol, CT, caring for children for over 30 years. While obtaining her Bachelor's of Education with a specialization in Music, she was a foster mother to Elizabeth of Westport until her passing. Any child in need would be welcomed into Karen’s care with unconditional love.

Karen’s other passions included cooking, decorative baking, and music. Anyone who had the privilege of sampling Karen’s culinary creations will tell you her skills were unrivaled. Her biscotti was award winning, and people from the tri-state area would come for Karen's homemade apple fritters at the St. Anthony's Italian Festival in Bristol, CT.  She learned many of her skills from working in the bakery with her father, Stanley.

An accomplished pianist and talented singer, Karen’s home was filled with music. Her dedication to music, leadership, and academic excellence made her a winner of NYC’s Lincoln Center Award her senior year of high school. Karen combined her love of children and music by teaching piano lessons for over 20 years. She was adored by all of her students, and inspired them to develop a passion for music. 

A woman of many talents, Karen also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, quilting, crafting, inventing, and was involved with the Make A Wish Foundation as well as her local Catholic church. She recently published her first children’s book, “My Lippy Legs,” about growing up with Lipedema. If you’d like to honor Karen’s memory, please donate to the Lipedema Foundation, St. Jude’s, or the Make a Wish Foundation.

Funeral Services will be held Friday 10 AM PLEASE NOTICE TIME CHANGE at Immaculate Heart Church in Harwinton Our Lady of Hope Parish,  burial will follow at Saint Peter Cemetery.  Friends may call Thursday 5-7 PM at Phalen Funeral Home in Torrington. MASKS ARE REQUIRED.  online memorials www.phalenfuneral.com

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