Karen B. Eckhoff, a resident of Greenwich Village since the 1970s, died peacefully at home of natural causes on Aug. 15. She was 75.
The adventurous Karen loved the good life in New York City, especially pink martinis (the drink and also the Pink Martini musical ensemble) and celebrating Halloween. She made her home in the West Village where she befriended many free spirits in the neighborhood. She was a public member of Community Board 2, serving on its Quality of Life Committee.
Karen was a dedicated sister, friend, dog mom and animal lover, working at the Animal Medical Center and other New York City institutions caring for and rescuing animals.
She happily retired from the U.S. Department of Customs, for which she was working in Lower Manhattan during both World Trade Center attacks.
Karen was born on July 18, 1948. She was a graduate of Cold Spring Harbor High School, on Long Island, and the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, David Pieratt, a comic art collector, who died in 2011. She is survived by her sisters Nina, Sally and Vickery Eckhoff. Her sister Mary preceded her in death.
A small celebration will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s memory to the North Shore Animal League.
If any type of service is eventually planned for my friend Karen, please let me know. michener206@aol.com
Thank you.
Hi, I’m now just finding out about Karen. I had been trying to get in touch with her and this is what I feared. Saddened.
Carmella
I’ve been calling Karen as well as sending her emails, all without success. Now I know why. This is devastating news. Karen and I have been friends for several years. I love the fact that she has been a “culture vulture” absorbing all that NYC has to offer. Can you keep me informed? Jack Kupferman
I’m just finding out about Karen’s passing today. She has been one of my best friends since 1997 when we both worked in the WTC and had many adventures all over NYC, and Bolton Landing, Lake George. Loved this woman. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Thank you for sharing about your friendship with our sister. We have been unable to access her apartment, phone or even to look for an address book — so we were unable to let her other dear ones know of her passing.
Thank you for publishing this obit about my late sister Karen.