Karen B. Eckhoff, 75, longtime Villager who loved animals, Pink Martini and Halloween

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.