Karen Dodson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karen (Tanner) Dodson, 73, on June 20th after a short battle with cancer.

Karen was born on July 11th, 1952, in Bristol, CT, to Robert and Joyce (Pilbin) Tanner.

Karen was the oldest of three sisters and shared a lifelong bond with her younger sisters, Sheila Brown and Danice (Vicky) Mulvey.

As a child, Karen was a member of Carey’s Cadets Drum Corps. She mastered baton twirling before moving on to flags and rifles. Karen was small but mighty. She became the Drum Corps majorette and proudly led the Cadets in many parades and competitions.

Karen graduated from Bristol Eastern High School in 1970. From an early age, she dreamed of becoming a hairdresser. She earned her cosmetology license from the National Academy of Hairdressing in New Britain, CT. She loved doing hair and had a special gift for making people feel beautiful.

At the age of 20, Karen became the mother of her firstborn, Danny (Kristie) Cahill. She took great pride in her children and later welcomed her daughter, Jodi (Steven) Cahill. In time, she was blessed with another daughter, Courtney (Mike) Pellechia.

In 1982, Karen moved her family to Sierra Vista, Arizona, along with her parents and sisters, in hopes of giving her nephew, Robby Stepka, a few more precious years. There she built friendships that became like family. Her customers knew they could count on Karen not only for a great haircut but also for a caring ear and a compassionate heart. She worked in several salons before opening Sizzors Family Salon, which she proudly owned for over 30 years. Her heart was broken when her health forced her to close her salon. She held on to the hope that she would get healthy enough to cut hair again.

Karen is survived by her husband of 29 years, Jack, who cared for her every step of the way. Family was everything to Karen. She also leaves behind her sisters, her children, her nieces, nephews, and many cousins; six grandchildren, Amy, Mariah, Elijah, Alex, Devin, and Blake; and seven great-grandchildren, Tyshea, Adi, Anabelle, Elliot, Hunter, Milo, and Emilie.Karen was also affectionately known as “Grandma” to many children who became like family to her.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her nephews, Robby Stepka and Jason Mulvey, and many other beloved family members.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on her birthday, July 11th, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 2201 Carmilita Drive in Sierra Vista, Arizona. All are welcome to attend, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived.

A second celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Saturday, August 8th, in Farmington, CT, for Karen's family and close friends living in Connecticut. Additional details, including the time, location, and RSVP information, will be shared on a memorial page that will be created in the coming days on Legacy.com

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