Karen Pierfederici Irons

Karen Pierfederici Irons, born September 30, 1953 passed away at home Thursday morning June 5, 2025 in the company of her loving husband, Whitey and devoted dogs and cat.

She graduated from Waterford High School in 1971 and married Richard “Whitey” Irons in April of 1976.  They built their beloved log cabin in Oakdale in 1975 where they have remained since.  Karen was employed by  S.N.E.T. & AT&T for over 20 years.

Karen was a lifelong horse woman in the true sense of the words.  Beginning with fresh ponies in the backyard of her childhood home in Waterford, CT. and developed into a passion for horse breeding, training and riding as an adult.  Her dedication to animals and incredible work ethic made Karen a valuable volunteer at a local equine sanctuary for 21 years.  She served on the founding Board of Directors of that organization. 

She was also passionate about dogs, raising and training her working Border Collies.  She helped countless dog owners over the years with common sense, kind, reward-based training through her business, “Karen’s Dogs”.  Karen and her dogs also spent many summer hours keeping public parks and beaches free from geese.

Karen is survived by her Husband of nearly 50 years, Whitey Irons, and her sisters Clare Pierfederici and Amy Pierfederici.  She is also survived by a host of friends who loved and respected her for the force that she was - a strong and caring woman, Intelligent and funny with just the right amount of sarcasm. She could always be counted on her for sage advice on animals, gardens or healthy food, or the kick in the pants you might really need.

We are grateful to Hartford HealthCare Hospice for assisting with Karen’s final days. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to the Montville Animal Welfare Initiative, Inc.

https://www.montvilleanimalwelfare.org