Karen Ann Siegel

Karen was born August 30, 1956 in Sayreville, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Loretta Suchcicki, and sister to Benjamin, Raymond, and Marie.

As a child, Karen was an exceptionally bright and vivacious girl. She had an innate curiosity to learn about and explore the world outside of her hometown, which would shape her adult life. An avid student, Karen learned French at a young age and was known for her eagerness to help her classmates. Karen graduated high school as valedictorian, and was offered full scholarships to Yale and Cornell. She attended Cornell for her first year of college, and later transferred to Ryder college where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

After graduating college, Karen began her career in the fashion industry of New York City as the assistant to the editor of Vogue magazine. At 24, Karen became the director of public relations at Perry Ellis International where she had a thriving career. She quickly became known to colleagues and friends as a natural leader who was never afraid to think outside of the box. During her time at Perry Ellis, Karen organized the first Foundation for AIDS Research charities. This sparked a lifelong commitment to raising awareness for HIV/AIDS, as well as advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Her work at Perry Ellis also introduced her to her husband Robert.

Karen moved to Charleston, SC with her husband Bob and daughters Abigail and Sofie in 1998. She quickly made friends and became involved in the community. Shortly after her arrival in Charleston, Karen started fundraising for Lowcountry AIDS Services. In the year 2000 she founded the charity “Shopping with Friends” which benefitted Lowcountry AIDS Services. Shopping with Friends was held for years in Charleston, where local retailers donated 10% of their sales to Lowcountry AIDS services. Karen was steadfast in her commitment to making the world a better place for both humans and animals, and later became involved with fundraising and volunteering for Pet Helpers and Charleston Animal Society.

Karen is remembered and missed by friends and family as a generous, intelligent and kind woman who had an incredible sense of humor. Karen was an honest woman who always spoke her mind regardless of popularity. She was fiercely loyal and protective of the people she loved, and never hesitated to help others in any way she could. She is survived by her husband Robert and daughters Abigail and Sofie.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks for donations to Charleston Animal Society in honor of Karen.