Dr. Karen M. Hook

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Dr. Karen Marie Hook. Born on June 9, 1979, Karen's journey came to an end on October 29, 2023.  She was a truly remarkable woman who touched the lives of many through her compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the medical profession.

Karen’s innate intelligence and outstanding work ethic led her to excel academically. She graduated as the valedictorian of her class from Plainville High School in 1997, going on to pursue her dreams at UConn, where she completed undergraduate work in 2001, and graduated from UConn Medical School in 2005.  During her residency and fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Karen's passion for healing flourished. She served as Chief Fellow and honed her skills in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology. In 2011, she returned to Connecticut to practice at the UConn Health Center in Farmington. Most recently, she served as an Associate Professor of Medical Sciences at Quinnipiac University in Hamden.  Karen was everything a doctor should be and she possessed an exceptional ability to connect with her patients and colleagues alike. Her genuine, kind-hearted nature and dedication ensured that those in her care felt understood, supported, and respected. She was known for her listening ear, patience, thoughtfulness, and compassion, making a lasting impact on the lives she touched. 

Karen's dedication to mentorship extended beyond the medical world. She was selected as the faculty advisor for the Gold Humanitarian Honor Society, the Professionalism Review Board, and elected as the faculty advisor to the Academic Integrity Board. Her exceptional teaching skills earned her the recognition and respect of medical students, residents, and her colleagues alike. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Karen was cherished by her loving family. She leaves behind her parents, William and Nancy Hook, her older sister Laura Hook, her younger brother William Hook, his wife Flori and their children Xander and Lila who Karen lovingly let them use as their personal jungle gym. She and her loyal companion, her dog "Buddy" shared an inseparable bond. 

In her free time, Karen found solace in nature, embarking on hikes with Buddy. She was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Atlanta Braves and the New York Giants, and was artistically talented, spending hours sketching and drawing. 

Karen was always the first doctor that family members would ask for advice and selfless in every way, despite her hectic schedule. She was an extremely genuine, kind, caring, loyal, and gentle woman who always saw the positive in each and every situation, bringing joy and healing to so many.  Brilliant, talented and emotionally strong, her humbleness was one of her greatest attributes. She had the best sense of humor and quick wit, with an infectious laugh and beautiful smile.  Adored, respected, and admired by many, she made everyone around her better and has left us all far too soon, but we are comforted in knowing she is at peace in Heaven according to God's plan. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday November 7 at 9 a.m. from Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 94 Broad St, Plainville.  Committal will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.  Family and friends may gather on Monday evening, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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