Karen (Dumas) Ackley

Karen Dumas Ackley, 67, of Milford, beloved wife of the late Capt. Harry R. Ackley, Sr. (Ret.), passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.  Born in Bridgeport on February 16, 1956, she was the daughter of Eugene R. and Patricia Bleck Dumas.

Karen was a graduate of Jonathan Law High School and maintained many life-long friendships from her time there. She was also a member of the planning committee for their upcoming 50th reunion. Throughout her career, Karen had a profound impact on her co-workers and friends, whether during her time at ShopRite or as an account representative for CC&P.

Karen and her late husband Harry, were residents of Fairfield for more than 30 years.  They were ardent supporters of the Fairfield Fire Department and were always ready to lend a helping hand in their community either for the Relay for Life or the Taste of Fairfield.  Karen and Harry were proud supporters of the United States Navy and would frequently attend ship reunions across the country with her parents.  Karen never missed an opportunity to thank a veteran wherever she went.

As a breast cancer survivor, Karen spent her time empowering other women through their treatment and into recovery. Karen was an advocate and supporter for breast cancer research, and helped mentor many breast cancer patients. Karen selflessly devoted her time to numerous charities including the Get In Touch Foundation, the Ahlbin Rehabilitation Center, and the Burr Mansion to name a few.

Karen’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren whether at a hockey game, dance recital, school play, softball game or attending school activities.  “Granny Karen” was always front and center cheering her grandchildren on and all of their friends.

Karen was a ray of sunshine, support and love for all of the people in her life.  She touched so many lives and her strength and resilience were an inspiration to those who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Karen is also survived by her loving daughters, Alicia Millington and her husband Alfred of Trumbull, Amy Conroy and her husband Brian of Sandy Hook; sons, Edward Ackley and his wife Aimee of Porter Corners, NY, and Sean Ackley of Tampa, FL. She was Grammy to her eight wonderful grandkids: David Riley, Emelyn and Kendall Millington, Annabelle and Jack Conroy, Gabriela and Ian Ackley and Harry R. Ackley, III. She was the sister and friend to: Rick Dumas, Kevin Dumas Sr. and his fiancé Paula, Tom Dumas and his wife Shari, Pamela Della Torre and her husband Bob, Joyce Pagano and her husband Rich; sister-in-law to: Christopher Ackley and his wife Jill, and Rose Markoja. Nieces and nephews: Kevin Dumas Jr. and his fiancé Amanda, Patrick Dumas, Kylie Clark and her husband Rusty, Matt and Zack Dumas, Steven Markoja and his wife Jenn, Alysse and Mark Della Torre, and Heather Pagano. She was predeceased by her son, Harry (Randy) Ackley, Jr.; and nephew, Scott Della Torre.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday May 31st at 10 AM at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Dr., Fairfield.  The family would like to encourage everyone to wear pink or bright colors in memory of Karen.  Friends may greet the family on Tuesday May 30th from 4 - 8 PM at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd., Fairfield.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Get In Touch Foundation, 70 West River St., Milford, CT 06460, www.getintouchfoundation.org.