Karen Denise James Gaskin

In Loving Memory of

Karen Denise James Gaskin

April 22, 1965 – June 24, 2026

Karen Denise James Gaskin, 62, of New Haven, Connecticut, was born on April 22, 1965, in Tarboro, North Carolina, to her late parents, Vilma James and Joseph Bunn. Karen peacefully departed this life on June 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the widow of the late Tounce Gaskin.

Karen graduated from Polly T. McCabe Center in 1983. She dedicated many years of service working in Environmental Services (EVS) at Saint Raphael Hospital and later continued her passion for caring for others as a Home Health Aide.

Karen enjoyed cooking some of her favorite meals, including chitterlings and many other beloved soul food dishes. She found peace and comfort in being at home and enjoyed the simple joys of life. Above all else, Karen's greatest happiness came from spending time with her children and grandchildren, who meant the world to her.

Karen leaves to cherish her loving memory her BROTHERS: Kevin Young (Omayra), Keith Young, Danyel Graham, Jimmy Bunn, and Joseph Bunn Jr.; her SITERS: Veronica James (Anthony), Vanessa Bunn, Pamela James, Juaneta Graham, Jozette Bunn, Chelsea Bunn, and Sabrina Bunn.

Most especially, she leaves behind her beloved children: DAUGHTERS: Tinikia Jefferies (Allen), Lakeisha James, Shequita Gaskin, and Raven Gaskin; and SONS: Arthur Pearson (Melissa), Tounce Gaskin, and Tyrren Jordan. She also leaves her cherished Goddaughter, Tiera Jones.

Karen also leaves behind her loving grandchildren: Gabriel Pearson, Kydin Pettiford, Kymair James, Dylan Pettiford, Josiah Jefferies, Stylez Gaskin, Dakota Pearson, Sa’rya Gaskin, Kylie Bland, Alyanna Pearson, Skylar Gaskin, and Grace Gaskin.

She also leaves behind her special friend, Lawrence Minor.

Karen was predeceased by her BROTHERS: Ricky Bunn and Mario “Tony” Bunn; and her great-grandmother, Christine James.

The family would also like to lovingly acknowledge Karen's nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and many cherished friends whose love and support meant so much throughout her life.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 11am at Colonial Funerals, 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden, CT. Viewing in Colonial from 10-11am. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven, CT. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.