Pawcatuck - Dara R. (Farnell) Karas, 75, of Pawcatuck died at home Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. She was born March 8, 1950, in Shreveport, La., the daughter of Edgar and Virginia (Lout) Farnell. She grew up on the Farnell family farm in Stonington, and attended Stonington High School, Class of 1968. She went on to get her degree from the New London School of Business. Dara worked at various local businesses including working with Whit and Larry at Davis Farm where she enjoyed running the weekly farmers' markets. Her most important job was with the Town of Stonington as the Management Information System Coordinator, where she was recognized in the Who's Who publication for the job she did to prevent any problems with all the town's emergency services for Y2K.
Dara loved animals and was a breeder of German Shepherd dogs. She also loved her kitties, especially her "orange boy." She loved the outdoors and had extensive flowers and gardens at her home.
She is survived by her daughter Sandy Rose of Stonington; and her grandchildren, Amanda Butler Meredith and Kevin W. Corn Jr., both of North Stonington. She will be greatly missed by her lifelong best friend Mary Goodman and by Rich Howard who held a special place in her heart. She will also be missed by Sandy's half-sister Cathy Mosher and her "son" Rod Butler, who both called her Mom. Dara will be missed by family and friends from here to California.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, Feb. 27, at 2:00pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street , Mystic. A Celebration of her Life will immediately follow at the Steak Loft, 27 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Stand Up for Animals.