Karen Elaine Jenkins, age 65, of Richville, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 15, 2019 surrounded by her family, at Burlington Medical Center in Vermont.

Calling hours was on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. The funeral service immediately followed at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Beth Quick officiating. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Karen was born on June 22, 1954 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Darrell and Esther (MacTurk) Stevenson. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 1973. She married Harold Jenkins Jr. in November of 1978 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church.

Karen worked for 34 years at United Helpers in Canton as a certified nurses’ aide. She enjoyed reading, spending time with her family, bowling, traveling and going on cruises and going to the casino. Karen had a special fondness for Sylvia Lake. She also loved her two feline companions, Conrad and Mitten. Karen and her sisters had a very special bond.

She is survived by her husband, Harold; a son and his wife, Mark and Karen Jenkins grandchildren Jonathan, Kayla and Mike Howard their children Hayden, Ava and Quinn; Ashley and Dean Witherell their children Joey, Connor, and Mason; Thomas and Kylea Plantz their children Treyton, and Trevor; Richard Butts III and his son Ricky IIII; two step children, Carrie and Scott Beaulieu a granddaughter Kara; Cindy and Eric Parson their children Aidan and Madi; and four sisters, Sharon and Warren Lennox, Gagi and Thomas Pollina, Brenda Nowacki; Joanne and Eric Strobel.

Karen is predeceased by a sister, Mary Nier.