McKibbin-Otano, Karen, 64, of Farmingdale, NY, passed away on September 10, 2022 with her husband, brother, and three children by her side. Karen was born to Rita and Alfred McKibbin on June 20, 1958 and graduated from Farmingdale High School in 1976. She received her bachelor's degree from Hunter College and her master’s degree from Stony Brook University, both in speech pathology. She was married to Gilbert Otano and celebrated 39 truly blessed years of marriage in August. Together the two had three children, Kerriann, Christopher, and Ryan, who were all with her at the time of her passing. Karen will be remembered for her incredible warmth and generosity. She was a beloved educator in the Eastport South Manor School District where she served as a speech pathologist for thirty years, serving hundreds of students and their families with kindness and compassion. Always busy and full of energy, retirement couldn’t stop Karen. She took a job hostessing at the Cooperage Inn in Baiting Hollow, where her vibrant energy and luminous smile were a blessing for all who entered. A devoted Catholic, Karen taught religious education and catechism at St. John the Baptist in Wading River. While residing in Farmingdale, Karen worshiped at St. James Catholic Church in Seaford. She was brave and fiercely protective of those she loved to the end, enduring her illness with the help of her family and a few close friends. She wanted everyone to remember her light, her laugh, and her boundless love. The family will receive visitors Tuesday, September 13th, 2-4 & 7-9 pm at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc., 315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale. Funeral Mass Wednesday, September 14th, 10 am at St. James RC Church. Cremation Private.
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