December 21, 1967 – February 10, 2025

Karen Renee Mandell, 57, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, a beloved yoga instructor who touched countless lives through her teaching and community leadership, passed away on Monday, February 10,th 2025.

Born on December 21st, 1967, in New York City to Penny Rouillard and Anthony Magrino, Karen shared her birthday with her mother—making her arrival an extra special gift. She joined her loving family alongside her big sister Michelle.

Raised in Forest Hills, NY, Karen was a natural achiever. She attended the prestigious Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan before launching a successful career in fashion, where she became a respected representative for leading independent fashion brands.

Karen’s life was enriched by love. She had a strong bond with her mother, Penny, from whom she developed a love of reading and cooking. Karen and her sister, Michelle, were best friends and devoted to each other. They spent countless hours together enjoying music and simply being in each other’s company. One of Karen’s favorite pastimes was entertaining where she spent holidays with her family, cooking and laughing together. She was a generous host for her many friends, especially on her rooftop deck in Jersey City, where she cherished beautiful sunsets.

Karen’s true calling emerged when she discovered yoga, a passion she shared with her dearest friend, Sally Narkis. Together, they studied and mastered the techniques. Karen’s dedication to the practice led her to establish Sattva Yoga in Jersey City Heights, which became a cornerstone of the community. She incorporated yoga into her AA community, becoming a vital resource for those in recovery. This loving impact earned her the nickname “Light of the Heights” among those she touched with her remarkable kindness.

Karen’s greatest joy was her son, Max, born from her marriage to Matthew Mandell. The two raised Max together, first in Hoboken and then Jersey City. No one was prouder than Karen when Max began his studies at Purdue University two years ago, majoring in Anthropology.

Most recently, Karen created a loving home in Bloomfield, NJ with her partner, Jason Dunkel. Through Jason, she re-discovered her love of the outdoors and so much more.

She was preceded in death by her father, Anthony Magrino. She is survived by her son Max; her mother Penny; her sister Michelle, her nephews Anthony and Daniel, her partner Jason and his three daughters, Sydney, Morgan, and Quinn, and her step-sister Doreen.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on the special date of Feburary 22nd at 2-6pm at Failla-McKnight Memorial Home, 533 Willow Ave, Hoboken NJ 07030.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any cause of your choice in her memory.