Karen E. Vespignani (nee Vazquez), 74, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2020. She would have been 75 on February 27, 2020. Mrs. Vespignani was retired from the Parsippany – Troy Hills Board of Education, having been employed as an English teacher. She taught high school English from 1966 to 2010, taking time out to raise two sons. Mrs. Vespignani was a graduate of Jersey City State College with a Master’s in English. She served as the president of the drama club where she met her husband of 50 years, Arthur W. Vespignani. Acting together in Henry IV, part I, a lifelong, loving partnership ensued. Mrs. Vespignani was a resident of Lake Hiawatha from 1971 until moving to Manchester in 2011. Upon moving to River Pointe, she provided leadership in serval activities. This included the Women’s Club, Movie Club, and Book Club. Mrs. Vespignani had a voracious appetite for literature and would easily finish multiple books each week. Mrs. Vespignani was proud of her Spanish/Irish ancestry. She visited both Spain and Ireland several times. She had a deep admiration for both cultures. Mrs. Vespignani is survived by her sons, Arthur W. Vespignani, Jr., 45, and his wife Kathleen and Dr. Joseph P. Vespignani, 41, and his wife Loredana, as well as her grandsons, Vincent M. Vespignani, 13, Michael J. Vespignani, 11, and Santino P. Vespignani, 10 months. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur W. Vespignani, father, Jose Vazquez, and her mother, Martha Vazquez (nee Long). She is enjoying their company once again. Visitation is Wednesday 3-7 PM at Oliverie Funeral Home 2925 Ridgeway Rd Manchester. Funeral Liturgy is 9 AM at St John’s Church, Lakehurst with a private cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering cancer Center PO box 5028 Hagerstown, MD 21741.