Karen J. Kaplan

Karen J. (Wells) Kaplan, 78, of Zephyrhills, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut. Born in Hartford on January 26, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Floyd Lyman Wells and Bernice Ruth (Fredette) Wells. Karen was a graduate of Weaver High School in Hartford Connecticut. A creative and talented floral designer, she was the co-owner and operator of Phoenix Floral in Texas for many years prior to her retirement. As a member of First Baptist Church Arlington, Karen was always very involved in Sunday school and other ministries. She loved to entertain and cook, enjoyed crafting, and was an avid Scrabble player. More than anything, her passion was her family, friends, and her dogs, Pingo and Mocha. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she will be forever missed by her husband, Barry Kaplan of Florida; her daughter, Tori-Ann Sells (Brad); her three sons, Todd Laurito (Lorelei), Scott Laurito (Ronda), and Christopher Laurito (Amy); daughter-in-law Lisa Laurito; six adored grandchildren, Jason Laurito (Megan), Teresa Shea (Ryan), Suzanne Sells, Brianne Sells, Myranda Hickey (Addison), and Christopher Laurito, Jr.; and her five cherished great-grandchildren, Cody, Eve, and Nicholas Laurito, Aurora Wilkerson, and Deacon Hickey, as well as her dear friend, Tommy Teasdale of Arlington. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her two brothers, Brian and Jason Wells. A celebration of Karen's life will be August 9, 2020 in Connecticut and August 11, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home in Arlington, Texas. Donations in her memory may be made to the ASPCA.