Karen Lee Wolfe

Karen Lee (Cole) Wolfe, 60, of Brandon, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Karen was raised in Woodbury, Connecticut, and Antrim, New Hampshire. She later lived in Manchester, New Hampshire, before moving to Brandon, Florida, in 2021.

Karen proudly served the United States government for more than 25 years as a budget analyst for the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Central Command, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

Karen loved being around people, sharing stories, and making everyone laugh. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an incredibly positive outlook on life, even during the most difficult times. Family and friends meant everything to her, and she always wanted to know that the people she loved were happy and doing well.

Karen spent her final weeks with her sister Julie and brother-in-law Frank in Lehigh Acres, Florida, before receiving care at Hope Hospice.

Karen is survived by her beloved son, Joshua Martel, and granddaughter, Olivia Martel; her sisters, Julie Cole Torres (Francisco) of Lehigh Acres, Florida, Connie Cole-Ingber (Michael) of Oxford, Connecticut, and Elizabeth Cole-McGovern (Greg) of Wallingford, Connecticut; and her brother, James A. Cole Jr. (Michelle) of Antrim, New Hampshire.

She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Paul Taylor, Eve Day, Jon Day, Molly Cole, James A. Cole III, Joseph Cole, and Brian McGovern; her two dearest friends, Mary Davis of San Antonio, Texas, and Sarah Finney of Unity, New Hampshire; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

In keeping with Karen's wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at the Painted Pony in Bethlehem, Connecticut.

Family and friends are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate Karen's life, share memories, and remember the laughter and love she brought to all of us.

Karen will be deeply missed by those who loved her, and the memories they shared will always be treasured.

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