Karen Dora (Cleveland) Baas, 42, succumbed to brain cancer on September 18, 2007.
She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Timothy Jay Baas and her six year-old son, Alexander (Zander) Angus Baas.
Karen will be sadly missed by her mother; Mrs. Audrey Cleveland and her sister; Mrs. Ida Hanna, her husband John and their daughter Erin and son Sean all of Milmay, NJ. She will also be sadly missed by her sister; Mrs. Ruthanne Bierwith of Derby, CT, her son Warren Bierwith and sons Albert and John Myers; her father and mother-in-law, Gary and Esther Baas, brother-in-law Steve & his wife Kelly, sister-in-law Lori and her husband Kevin and son Sammy; sister-in-law Brenda and her husband Mark and their three children Kalee, Jared and Olivia; nieces and nephews.
Karen was predeceased by her father; Mr. Dayton Cleveland, her brother; Mr. Sean Cleveland and her sister; Mrs. Florence (Sistie) Mahoney.
Prior to being married Karen was a resident of Milmay, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Houghton, MI and several towns in southeastern Connecticut. She has called North Stonington, CT home since 1995.
Karen graduated in 1983 from Buena Regional High School in New Jersey where she played the flute in concert and marching bands. She also graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1989 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and became a Certified Management Accountant in 2004.
While living in Connecticut she worked in the accounting field at several area banks, a pharmaceutical benefits management corporation and most recently for the Mohegan Tribe as an accounting supervisor.
Karen was a prolific reader of fiction novels and non-fiction. She loved music and dance. She enjoyed outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, biking and camping. She had a fondness for all animals, especially cats. She was a strong, vibrant woman and was always gracious, kind and considerate towards others. She was a loving wife and mother and was blessed with the support and kindness from her family and friends.
Her family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic, on Sunday from 1pm to 2:45pm, followed by a service at 3pm. The Rev. Doretta M. Colburn will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Lawrence & Memorial Hospital Community Cancer Center, 365 Montauk Avenue, New London CT 06320.
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