Karen Wells passed away unexpectedly in Naples, FL on New Year’s Day 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.
Karen Wells
Karen had a flair for living, fashion, and design that permeated her life and affected the lives of all she held close. She was a vibrant, stunning, considerate, devoted and talented person. Above all else, Karen loved and adored her daughter Freia and the two shared an incredible bond.
After college graduation Karen married Glenn Mierendorf in 1988. The couple first resided in Brooklyn, NY and soon moved to Montclair, NJ. On August 19th, 2000 they welcomed a daughter, Freia Louise, whom Karen would lovingly often call “Fre Fre.” It was in New Canaan, CT where they raised Freia and built a life together. Karen developed a passion for interior design and what began as helping friends with their homes soon became Karen Wells Design. Karen had many friends, all of whom played a major role in her life. Karen was a true social butterfly, the life of the party, and an overall joy to be around. She always made an effort to bring her friends together. Whether it was hosting dinner parties, charity events, coordinating play dates or playing tennis, she was always deeply involved with her friends and community. All who knew Karen knew that they were blessed to have her in their life. Karen spent her final years in Florida enjoying the sun and continuing to expand her circle of friends.
Karen Louise Wells was born January 10, 1965 in Schenectady, NY to the late Gerald and Anne Wells. One of three children, Karen grew up with an older brother “Rusty” and younger sister Janet in Louisville, KY. While in high school Karen swam competitively and graduated a year early as she was eager for more creative pursuits, later earning a degree in fashion design from the University of Cincinnati. After graduation, Karen began her career in fashion, designing for various clothing and apparel companies, most importantly with the G-3 apparel group where she became Head of Design and Production and ultimately rose to the position of CEO of a joint venture between G-3 and BET. She often would reflect proudly on her work during that time which enabled her to travel the world as a young, successful businesswoman in the 1990’s.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Freia Mierendorf of Dallas, TX; brother Gerald “Rusty” Wells of Louisville, KY; sister Janet Walker (Doug) of Louisville, KY; her nieces, Erin Wells Huff (Chip) of Inman, SC; and Grace Walker of Louisville, KY.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 12:30PM at First Presbyterian Church in New Canaan, CT. A reception will immediately follow at the church. Should friends desire, a donation may be sent to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation under Karen’s memorial page: https://give.bafound.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1157750&pg=personal&fr_id=1040
I love you and miss you my friend. Rest in peace
Karen was a such bright light. Her smile radiated until everyone around her was smiling too. She shared her joy openly and will be so missed. Rest in peace wonderful Karen.
Such a strong, kind and beautiful woman! RIP Karen.
A wonderful human being that I will miss dearly.
You will be deeply missed Karen. Your beautiful shining light and our wonderful memories will live on forever. Joanne and Marc
Karen, I will forever cherish the memories of great times spent with you. You were always a beacon of light, laughter, strength & beauty. Until we meet again, my friend. 🙏🏼❤️ Peace be with you.
We will miss her vocal approach, her style and grace. She leaves behind a legacy of beautiful homes and great friends who adored her.
A beautiful and kind neighbor who was always positive, always lovely. Our hearts go out to dear Freia who is clearly her mother’s daughter.
My beautiful best friend. I will never laugh the way we did. We truly just got each other! Thank you for all the wonderful memories I will cherish forever. I love you beyond words and with all my heart. ❤️
Our prayers for peace and strength are with Freia and the many who love Karen and will miss her. We are so very sorry for your loss.
While I only knew Karen for a short time, she made an indelible impression on me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to get to know her, she was a strong, beautiful woman. If only it could have been for longer💔. Prayers and healing to family and friends during this difficult time.🙏🙏🙏
I met Karen a while back, my place of work. She would mostly come in with Mark and his mother all three are /were wonderful people.
Je ne sais quoi best describes Karen, she was down to earth, personable, genuine, and spirited.
She was the kind of person that you would want to be around and look forward to seeing.
Her passing unexpectedly
I’m sure she had lots of friends and my heart goes out to her family, immediate and extended.
I hope she passed on knowing how many people she touched during her time here.
Karen I will miss everything about you! You were my go-to for all creative endeavors and all things fun! We spoke multiple times a day about everything. We traveled as families and our kids grew up together. You are one of a kind and irreplaceable to me. There will never be another person in my life like you. I will miss you forever! Rest in peace knowing you were loved 🦋💔🙏🏻✨
What a beauty inside and out. Karen’s beautiful smile and energy lit up the room – you will be greatly missed. Heaven gained another angel, may you rest in peace 🙏🏻
Karen lit up a room when she walked in. She added her exquisite sense of style to everything she touched and has left a legacy of homes designed from her heart. I loved spending time with Karen. She was so full of life! Heaven has definitely gained an angel. God bless you Karen.