Karen Norris

Karen Denise Norris, 78, of Bayville, NJ, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, September 20th 2026. Karen was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, GG, sister, Auntie, and friend. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James T. Norris. Karen is survived by her daughter, Kellie Borrero, and son-in-law, Mauricio Borrero, her son, Joseph Norris, daughter-in-law-, Dorothy Norris and son Jason Norris. She was a proud Nana to her seven grandchildren, Kathy, Sarah, Jared, James Ray, Joseph, Corbin, and Kayla, and a cherished GG to her four great-grandchildren, Liam, Layla, Summer, and Cecil.
She is also survived by her brothers, Norman and Timmy, and her sisters, Juanita and Barbara Jean, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whom she loved dearly.
To so many people, Karen was known by more than just her name. She was Mama Norris, Mama Bear, BFF, and the Jell-O-Shot Lady- each name reflecting a different part of the love and fun she brought into people’s lives. She had a way of making everyone feel like family, and she was an Auntie to so many.
Karen loved her family above all else. She especially cherished holidays and any opportunity to bring everyone together. She was known for throwing unforgettable parties, such as the yearly Christmas party, the “I survived a Norris party,” and the legendary three-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration, where family, friends, laughter, food, and good times were always plentiful.
She also loved to travel and made many wonderful memories throughout her life. Her adventures took her to Ireland, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Nashville, Kentucky, Florida, Texas, Las Vegas, New York City, Hershey Park, Disney, Cape May, Maryland, Canada, and throughout the Jersey Shore. Wherever she went, she was always making memories and sharing them with the people she loved.
But of all the places she went and all the memories she made, Karen’s greatest accomplishment was always her family. Her greatest joy was watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, and bringing the people she loved together.
Karen leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, stories, traditions, and memories that will continue to live on through the family and friends she cherished so deeply.
She wasn’t just the heart of the family-she was the one who brought everyone together. Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and her love will remain with them forever.

Funeral Services:
Celebration of Life & Visitation for Family & Friends on
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm at
Marotti-Burns Funeral & Cremation Services
1022 Lacey Road
Forked River, NJ 08731
609-891-4700

Final Farewell:
Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery
Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11 am
350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, NJ 08562

Arrangements are under the respectful care and direction of Funeral Director Jonathan P. Marotti of Marotti-Burns Funeral Home.

Family & Friends share memories and condolences on Karen's Remember Page at:
https://marottiburnsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/karen-norris-sep-2026