Karen Cronk, 62, of Colts Neck, NJ, passed away at her home on Friday, June 20, 2025.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY, and resided in New York City before settling in Colts Neck with her husband, Gary, in 1992.  She graduated fromVillanova in 1985 and went on to receive her Master’s degree from NYU’s Stern School of Business. Her time studying in New York led to a successful career in the banking industry, earning the title of Senior Vice President with her company.

Karen was deeply passionate about travel, thoughtfully planning and cherishing family vacations to destinations like the Caribbean, Greece, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. She enjoyed the comfort of relaxing in comfortable hotels, and waking up first thing in the morning to explore the world during its most quiet, peaceful hours.

Karen embraced life with an adventurous spirit, constantly seeking out new experiences and challenges — whether zip-lining through rainforest treetops, earning her scuba diving certification, or completing the New York City marathon. She also loved cooking, particularly pasta dishes and her famous seafood paella. She was an avid reader, devoted viewer of the Hallmark Channel, and enjoyed spending endless hours on the phone catching up with friends and family.

She always put her family first, going above and beyond hosting every Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and planning magical birthday parties for her girls. A lifelong dog lover, Karen found immense joy and companionship in her dogs — Kelsea, Max, Zoey, Casey, Charlie, and Sandi.

Karen will be remembered by her closest loved ones as a remarkably selfless and generous person. She was the very essence and embodiment of thoughtfulness, determination, and compassion.

Karen is preceded in death by her father, Mogens Petersen and her mother-in-law, Dorothy Cronk.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Gary Cronk; her two loving daughters, Megan and Melanie Cronk; her mother, Melva Petersen; and her sisters, Jenny Petersen and Liz Ondik.

Family and friends are invited to gather for Visitation on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733.

Mass will take place on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Parish of St. Mary, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory are suggested to the Make-A-Wish foundation, Make-A-Wish America.