Karen Rairigh

Karen Mary Rairigh (Nee Walters)

June 17th, 1960 - May 12th, 2026

Karen Mary Rairigh, of Flemington, New Jersey, passed away unexpectedly on May 12th, 2026 at the age of 65.

She was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, friend, and grandmother.

Born on June 17th, 1960 in East Orange, and grew up in Summit, New Jersey, Karen carried a youthful spirit throughout her life. She had a deep love for art, music, and creating a warm and welcoming home wherever she went. She found joy in beauty, creativity, and the small details that made life feel special- whether that be from a vase of her favorite peonies and roses, hosting holiday gatherings, listening to music in the mornings to start her day, or spending time with her beloved sisters and children. Karen also loved her pets deeply, and cared for them as cherished members of the family. Her French bulldog, Stella Luna, and chiweenie, Mia Sophia, brought endless joy and laughter into her life and home. Those who knew Karen will remember a truly beautiful woman inside and out, who lived fiercely and unapologetically, and who made the world lighter and brighter simply by living in it.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Morgan Darby Rairigh of Freeville, New York, her husband, Luke Thomas, and their son, Quinn Fulwood Thomas; her son James Rairigh of Spring City, Pennsylvania and his wife Nicole; Her sisters, Sandra W. Siliato of Wall Township, New Jersey, her husband Richard, and their daughter Autumn, and Bethie W. Dayton of Bedminster, New Jersey; Libby Shea Giordano of Bedminster, New Jersey, her husband Evan, and their son Oliver; Her nephew Thomas Robert Walters of Brooklyn, New York, and his wife JJ; and her niece, Melanie Bitecola of Bloomfield, New Jersey, her husband Dan, and their children Cheryl, Theresa, and Daniel.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, James Everett Walters and Thomas Robert Walters, and by Bethie’s husband, Allen Shea Dayton.

Karen will be remembered for her warmth, humor, sense of style, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. Her memory will live on in the family she adored and in the countless moments of comfort, joy, and love she created throughout her life. She leaves behind a family forever shaped by her love and devotion. Her absence leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, but her memory and spirit remain vibrant in the beauty she created all around her.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held, to be determined at a later date.