Born on August 13, 1952, in Defiance, Ohio.
Passed February 7, 2025 in Palm Bay, Florida
Karen Rose Figy, 72, died on February 7, 2025, at William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida. Karen was born on August 13, 1952, in Defiance, Ohio, to Yvonne and Glennis Stantz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Figy; her parents; and her brother, Gary.
She will be missed by her family; daughter Kimberly (Bill) Foege; stepson Todd (Jodi) Figy; stepdaughter Cindy Stark; stepson Greg (Yolanda) Figy; sister Gwen (Paul) Reuben; sister-in-law Therese Stantz; sister Regina (Gilbert) Montez; grandchildren Danielle, Erin, Austin, Kirsten, Sam, and Alexis; as well as five great-grandchildren.
Karen grew up on a farm in Ohio and had a deep love for nature and an incredible knowledge of plants, birds, and butterflies. She found joy in the beauty of the natural world and shared that passion with those around her. Her keen eye for photography allowed her to capture stunning images of landscapes and wildlife. She was always researching new techniques to improve her craft. Throughout her life, Karen held various jobs that she performed with dedication and skill. However, the roles she valued most were those of mother and grandmother. Her family was at the heart of everything she did, and she took immense pride in nurturing and guiding them.
Karen had a strong sense of right and wrong and never hesitated to share her opinions. Her honesty and conviction left a lasting impact on those who knew her. She also had a deep affection for animals and treasured all the pets she cared for over the years.
A memorial gathering will be held on February 15, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 East Palmetto Ave., Melbourne, Florida, 32902.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alpha-1 Foundation Audubon Society in Karen’s memory.
Mary
from Melbourne Village wrote on February 15, 2025:
We enjoyed sharing time outdoors including Forever Fl horseback ride and overnight tent camping with likeminded nature loving friends. She took the bed photos including my favorite of a mocking bird Chasing a caracara in Viera. Better times ahead in the universe where I believe you are still smiling, breathing freely, untethered to oxygen and chasing down the BEST natural habitats to “shoot.”
Wendy and Jack McFarlane
from Melbourne, FL and Cambridge Springs, PA wrote on February 15, 2025:
Karen was our next door neighbor in Florida. It was so great to get to know her and spend time chatting when we are here. She was such a great neighbor to have and we already miss her so much. It is hard knowing that she is not over there any more but we will always remember her. Fly high Karen and know that so many people cared.
Josephine Capozziello
from Melbourne wrote on February 15, 2025:
A good friend and mentor - a kindred spirit to share a deep love of Nature and of photography. I feel selfish wishing to still have her here but I can still communicate with my friend. Peace to you, Karen, and healing as you are finally free of your weary earthly body. I will never forget you. I will see and hear you in every flower, bird, rays of sun through heavy clouds....
Alanna Dennis
from Malabar wrote on February 14, 2025:
I remember meeting Karen in 2009 and becoming her friend. I admired everything that she did. I loved her coffee table photo books as they were so beautiful. I love nature and it always amazed me at all the great pictures that she was able to photograph. I will miss her conversation and how much she loved her family. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Julie Chase Semple
from Norfolk wrote on February 14, 2025:
Karen was my cousin for over 70 years!! When the family lived in Defiance our families would visit!! I loved their farm and all the animals!!
She and her former husband came to visit us in Va. long ago! I had found an antique oak chest but was uncertain as to whether to purchase & how to get it home!! They had a truck and went with me to check it out! All agreed it was worth it and helped me bring home! I’ve kept it all these years!! What a special memory it is!!
Kim, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mama! May ALL THE SPECIAL TIMES & MEMORIES continue to comfort you forward till you reunite in Glory!!
Elfi Morch Dionysius
from Melbourne wrote on February 14, 2025:
Karen and I were neighbors for many years and later together we took my motor home to great places Karen new a lot about, and explored wildlife, birding and flowers. She had a fantastic "eye" to pick and chose great sceneries which made her pictures outstanding. I have tones of memories about Karen. She will always be in my heart ❤️
Lynn Miraglia
from Melbourne wrote on February 14, 2025:
I didn't know Karen all that well. But, the few times I spent with her, we had a blast! I did follow her on FB and enjoyed her photography and optimism.
Robin Weinstein
from Yellow Springs, Ohio wrote on February 13, 2025:
The world is better for her being in it.
HARLEY HASSELSWERTH
from Defiance wrote on February 12, 2025:
Memories are Golden, RIP Karen....
Karen Deitemeyer
from Melbourne wrote on February 12, 2025:
Karen and knew each other because of our COPD, but had only met in person a few years ago at an American Lung Association event in Orlando. Once I moved to Melbourne, we met a few more times for lunch.
Karen was a fierce advocate for all of us with lung issues, and never gave up. She lived such a beautiful life, enjoying nature, her family and friends, and I miss her but know she's breathing easy now.
Christa McKuhn
from Mims wrote on February 12, 2025:
Karen was such an inspiration to me, she loved being out doors when ever she was able to take in the beauty and wildlife with her camera. As I was learning the craft she was always encouraging and her zest for life was so humbling knowing how hard she struggled to breathe. I've run into her in places with a friend where you would not expect to run into anyone, always greeting me with a smile and a hug. I will miss her so much. Fly high in heaven with your new heavenly body. Till we meet again!
Kim Fisher
from Orlando wrote on February 12, 2025:
Karen was the strongest person I ever met. She fought her lung disease with everything she had. She never let it stop her from getting out and enjoying nature with her camera. Her knowledge of flora and fauna was remarkable and I learned a great deal on our adventures together. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Linda Francis
from Bowling Green wrote on February 12, 2025:
Karen and I knew each other since the 7th grade, became fast friends and remained friends. We shared so much personal knowledge. Karen was that spiritual friend who know what I was to say before I said it, recommended the best books, intelligently discussed medical issues, environmental points, current events (just to name a few) and had The Best sense of humor, had an eye for and love of photography, (as everyone knows) and loved so many people, especially her family. She was fearless fighting her disease. Losing Karen leaves a void in my heart and a lasting mark of truly a life well lived.
Jeanne Tessier
from Vero Beach wrote on February 12, 2025:
Karen will definitely be missed. I felt a kindred spirit with her. Her love of animals, horses and photography was a bonding experience for me. Loved her philosophy and love of sharing.
No more struggles, dear lady. May all your beloved family be able to rest in that knowledge 🙌🏻🙏🏻🫶🏻
Ivette
from Palm bay wrote on February 12, 2025:
My prayers to your family, Kim. This is a big loss for all of us. I will miss your mom, my friend very much. We used to have long talks, just about life, animals, and her photography.
She gifted me many years ago a photo of a lotus that she had taken. I have always had it displayed in my office. She will live forever in my heart. I thank her every day for having introduced me and made it possible for me to adopt my girl Dolly, who has brought me so much joy. Healing prayers for all.
Susan Mekus
from Venice wrote on February 12, 2025:
RIP my friend. 😘
Paul Reuben
wrote on February 12, 2025:
Very sorry to hear of my sister-in-law Karen’s passing. She was a caring and loving person. Since Gwen and I moved to California, we missed Karen’s various phases in her life, but we kept in touch through various visits. We had a memorable visit to Hawaii together with her husband Paul.
I especially remember Karen’s visit to California when Gwen had back surgery. She helped enormously.
Lately, I complimented Karen for sharing her wonderful photos of nature and the birds. And it was a pleasure to visit with her on the return of a recent Caribbean cruise.
Dave & Mary Heller
from Defiance oh wrote on February 12, 2025:
R.I. P. Karen. ❤️
Jamison Young
from Highlands Ranch wrote on February 11, 2025:
One of the great joys of my life was knowing Karen and getting to call her friend. I always looked forward to her choice of quotes and especially her photography. Knowing she was in the world enjoying her retirement in Florida made me happy. I will miss her greatly.
Keith Watson
from SEVIERVILLE wrote on February 11, 2025:
I met Karen through Facebook and other Florida friends. I was fortunate enough to be able to do some birding with her in Florida a few years ago. She was an inspiration to life! I will miss her.
Born on August 13, 1952, in Defiance, Ohio.