On Sunday, April 20, 2025, Karen Lee DellaRocco, 84, of Grain Valley, Missouri, was gently called home to be with the Lord. Having endured and triumphed over three separate battles with cancer, Karen’s earthly journey ended following a fourth and final trial. Her passing on Easter Sunday was a testament to her unshakable faith and God’s perfect timing.
Born on June 10, 1940, in Webster, MA, to John B. Jr. and Hilda (Aro) Deveau, Karen was one of four children. She had a younger brother, John “Richie” Deveau, and two older sisters, Edith Choiniere and Joyce Pariseau. As a young girl, Karen worked on a dairy farm. After graduating from Oxford High School in 1959, she worked at a shoe factory and later began a career in clerical work.
At 26, she met the love of her life, Ralph “Rocky” DellaRocco Jr. They were married on March 4, 1967, and together they raised their six children in Schenectady, NY. Karen enjoyed ceramics and crafts during this time.
After retiring from the state of New York, Karen and Rocky moved to Florida, where they enjoyed the sunshine, sea, and simple pleasures of life. Whether strolling through flea markets, collecting seashells, or casting a line from the pier, their days were filled with quiet joy.
In their later years, after each had faced their own battles with cancer, they moved to Grain Valley, MO. There, they found a new community, became proud fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, enjoyed meeting friends for breakfast club at Sandy’s, and of course…El Maguey trips!
Karen and Rocky were married for 49 years before his passing. The Lord surrounded Karen with a circle of “faith friends” through a church grief group who lifted her up and helped renew her spirit. Her Sundays were joyfully spent worshiping at Faith United Methodist Church. Karen loved attending Bible study, and playing BINGO at Young at Heart.
Karen enjoyed weekend family dinners and warm summer days poolside. She continued her love of crocheting gifts for her loved ones, especially her famous “scrubbies” and baby blankets, which now cover loved ones from the Midwest to the east coast. She enjoyed watching murder mystery shows (especially NCIS and Bones), chatting online and texting with friends, and listening to K-Love radio. Karen was always quick with a smile and an “I love you” to brighten your day.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband Rocky, her grandson Kevin Roberts, her son-in-law Wayne Roberts, and many dear friends and family who have gone before her.
Karen leaves behind so many loved ones.
Her six children: Mark Bishop of Ft. Wayne, IN, Ralph DellaRocco (Michelle) of New York, Tina Silvernail (John) of Greenville, NC, Dawn Smith (Rick) of Oak Grove, MO, Lori Roberts of New Port Richey, FL, Ronald “Ronnie” DellaRocco (Margaret) of Cape Coral, FL.
She is also survived by numerous cousins, twenty grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild expected soon, and many loving friends.
Karen was deeply grateful for the loving care that “her girls” from One Community Hospice gave her. Karen’s family will be forever thankful to them for being her Guardian Angels on Earth.
Though her battle was lost, her victory was won. She will be missed, but we know she is celebrating in Heaven, surrounded by those who have been patiently awaiting her homecoming.
A celebration of Karen’s life and faith will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 1:00 PM at her church home, Faith United Methodist Church in Grain Valley, MO. In honor of her Easter homecoming, guests are encouraged to wear their Easter best. A reception will follow, lovingly hosted by the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The American Cancer Society or One Community Hospice, in support of others who continue their battles, or Faith United Methodist Church of Grain Valley, MO.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
Obituary submitted by the family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441