Karen (Mellekas) Dimattia, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her husband, Philip, on May 9, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on August 22, 1943, at Newport Hospital in Newport, Rhode Island, Karen lived a life defined by hard work, determination, enduring faith, and deep love for her family and God.

Karen was the daughter of the late Helen (Marchington) Mellekas and John T. Mellekas of Newport, Rhode Island, and the loving sister of Theodore Mellekas and John Mellekas. She was a graduate of Rogers High School.

Through determination and continued education, Karen built an impressive and multifaceted professional career. She completed studies in executive secretarial work, industrial society management, bookkeeping, accounting, and computer coursework. She began her career with the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, where she worked from 1962 to 1976 as a telephone operator, service order clerk, and repair clerk.

Karen continued her career at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, where she managed office operations, the gift shop, and museum activities. After relocating to Jacksonville, Florida, she worked for A.T.P. Accounting and Tax Professionals, Inc. as an office manager, bookkeeper, and accounting clerk. Upon returning to Rhode Island, she worked at Accounting and Tax Clinic, Inc. before embracing her entrepreneurial spirit and founding Artex Printing, Typing, Resume and Secretarial Services in Newport. She later worked as an administrative assistant for McLaughlin Research in Middletown.

Above all else, Karen was devoted to her family. She loved gatherings with family and friends, especially cookouts, dinners, holidays, and special occasions that brought everyone together. Known for her compassion, generosity, and caring nature, Karen was always there for those she loved. She also had a deep love for animals and nature, and found great joy in her pets and the pets of family members. Her favorite flower was the sunflower, a reflection of the warmth and brightness she brought to others.

Karen shared a beautiful love story with her beloved husband, Philip, with whom she shared 30 years of marriage. Their journey together began by chance at Christie's Restaurant in Newport, where Philip first noticed Karen's kindness and quiet grace. After dancing all night long, the two decided to meet for breakfast the next morning. What began as a conversation over breakfast blossomed into a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and devotion. Together they built both a life and a career, supporting one another through every chapter. Karen played an instrumental role in Philip's accounting practice and later stood beside him as he transitioned into educational administration, helping him prepare resumes, correspondence, and professional materials that helped shape the next phase of his career. Their bond was one of unwavering partnership, sacrifice, and mutual care.

Karen's compassion and selflessness were especially evident in the care she provided to Philip's mother during her final years. When declining health and dementia made it difficult for her to remain independent, Karen lovingly helped care for her at home with patience, dignity, and unwavering devotion. Her kindness and willingness to put family first left a lasting impression on all who witnessed the depth of her care and the love she shared with Philip's family as if they were her own.

Karen was a woman of deep and unwavering faith. After attending Mass at St. Augustine's Church in Newport during her younger years, she became a devoted Catholic and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. She and Philip were longtime parishioners of St. Lucy's Church in Middletown. When illness prevented them from attending Mass in person, members of the parish thoughtfully brought the Eucharist to their home. Together, Karen and Philip spent many hours watching Daily Mass and other religious programming on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), praying together faithfully and unceasingly.

Karen faced a long and courageous battle with cancer with remarkable strength and dignity. Though she was once given only a short time to live, her perseverance, faith, and determination carried her far beyond expectations. Her family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care she received through Brown University Health and the guidance provided in consultation with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Philip Dimattia of Middletown; her daughter, Jane Geraghty; her son, Jon Jones; her cherished grandchildren, Katelyn and Sean Geraghty, and Ethan Jones; her niece, Nichole (Mellekas) Ward; her son-in-law, Patrick Geraghty; her sister-in-law, Patricia Mellekas; her sister-in-law, Joanne Crooker and her husband, Albert Crooker; her niece, Joanne Brine and her husband, Scott Brine; and her nephew, Albert Crooker, Jr. and his wife, Sarah.

Philip was by Karen's side when she peacefully passed. As religious hymns played softly, Karen's hands gently came together in prayer during her final moments before she took her last breath and returned home to the Lord she so faithfully loved and served throughout her life. It was a moment of profound peace and faith that her family will forever hold close to their hearts.

Karen will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace, free from suffering, and embraced by her Lord and Savior. Her strength, kindness, faith, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Codega and Fr. O'Brien of St. Lucy's Church for their prayers, compassion, spiritual guidance, and faithful support throughout Karen's illness and final days. Their kindness and devotion brought great comfort and peace to Karen and her family.

Calling hours for Karen will be held Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Lucy's Church, 909 West Main Rd., Middletown. Burial will follow at Newport Memorial Park, 123 Howland Ave., Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's memory may be made to:

• American Cancer Society
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• St. Lucy's Church, Middletown
• Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN)

"For those who believe in God, life is changed, not ended."