Karen was born on April 6, 1947 in Queens Village, NY to the late James J. and Mildred (Wilt) Ennis. Karen was fortunate to spend summers growing up at the lake. Karen married Peter E. Kolln, Sr. on February 7, 1970. Karen was a career homemaker and volunteer. Karen was very active in her children’s elementary school and the Catholic Church. She was a Girl Scout leader and the chairperson of countless fund-raisers for St. Matthias. In 1980, Karen and Peter were fortunate enough to purchase a vacation house at her beloved Mt. Lake, where they spent weekends and summers. In 1984 they made it official and relocated to the lake full time. Karen joined the Mt. Lake Ladies Auxiliary, where she held various offices including President for over 10 years, achieving life membership in 2009. In her more recent years you would find her working the “door” at many firehouse events. Through-out the years, Karen picked up part-time jobs that she loved. Some of which were door to door dog licensing for Liberty Township, working the board of elections and the Mt. Lake General Store. She loved everyone and enjoyed talking and seeing people. She also babysat Mikey, Erin, Russell and Ashlee, all of whom always held a very special place in her heart. Karen treated all of these children as if they were her own. Other treasured moments were her summers spent with her niece, Veronica. Karen created an instant bond with anyone she came in contact with. Karen was selfless and very generous, always remembering and acknowledging birthdays and life events. She was one to always celebrate the little victories.

Karen and Pete were fortunate enough to travel early on. They had been to Ireland, England, Nantucket, Barbados, Bermuda, Alaska, Hawaii, many, many cruises, spent three weeks on a schooner off the coast of Maine, and more recently countless weeks oceanfront in the OBX.

Karen is survived by her husband of 50 years, Peter E. Kolln, as well has her three children, Lori Jalosky and her husband Frank, Peter Jr. and his wife Tiffany, and Kristin. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Mildred and Robert Wolitz, sister-in-law, Gladys Ennis, as well as her god-children, Mick, Debi and Jenna. Karen also leaves behind her fierce protector and constant companion, Mookie. Karen was predeceased by two brothers James (1989) and Robert (2008). Karen is survived numerous nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends she considered family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mt. Lake Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at St. Peter & Paul Church, 360 US-46, Great Meadows, NJ with Rev. Grzegorz Podsiadlo officiating.  Burial will be at Pequest Union Cemetery, 30 Cemetery Road, Great Meadows, NJ after mass.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, November 10 from 4-8pm at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J. 07840.  Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com/