Karen Land Rich

Karen Land Rich (Mary Karen Kapp), 76, of Cutchogue, passed away on Sept. 8, 2018, surrounded by family and friends.

Born in New York, N.Y., Karen grew up in Freeport, and moved to Southold as a teenager. A graduate of Southold High School, Karen later went on to earn a master’s degree in library and information science. She worked at various local libraries and schools over the years, and was the head librarian at Greenport Schools for 15 years before retiring. Her love of teaching and learning kept her involved in Greenport, where she was a regular visitor, reading to children of all ages.

Karen was an accomplished artist and writer. She wrote and illustrated numerous children’s books, including the highly-acclaimed “Fat Tale,” and her artwork has been featured at many local art shows and galleries. In addition to her work with children in the community, Karen was an active member of many local organizations, including mother’s groups, quilting groups, food co-ops, and most recently, she was a founding member of the new North Fork chapter of the League of Women Voters. She was committed to many Democratic causes, and was active in the efforts of the Southold Town Democratic Committee. Karen spent her free time sailing and traveling with her husband Bill.

Karen was predeceased by her son Bruce. She leaves behind the love of her life, William (Bill) Rich III; her daughter, Joanna Richardson (Land) Rallis, and her husband Damon, of Southold; William’s daughter, Elizabeth Rich Bourne, and her husband Michael, of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; his son, William Rich IV, and his wife Katie, of Rockville Centre, N.Y.; and her grandchildren, Hanna and Sofia Land; Luca and Destin Rallis; Nathaniel Bourne; Madeline, William V, Brady and Hope Rich.

The family will receive friends at Coster Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue on Friday, Sept. 14, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. There will be a funeral service at the funeral home Saturday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Old Burying Ground at First Presbyterian of Southold.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Karen’s name to the North Fork Animal Welfare League, The Cutchogue Library or the Southold Town Democratic Committee.

This is a paid notice.