Barbara Karlak Mullen, age 75, of Seymour, the beloved wife of 50 years to John J. Mullen, Jr., entered into eternal rest peacefully on Monday, October 4, 2021 surrounded by her loving family at the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital.
She was born in Derby on May 8, 1946, loving daughter of the late John and Blanche Mikoda Karlak. Barbara was a devout communicant of St. Augustine Church, St. Nicholas Parish of Seymour.
She earned her undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Education from Southern CT State University. Barbara continued on to touch many lives throughout her teaching career. She was the co-founder and previous co-owner of the Tender Years Preschool of Naugatuck with her best friend Jeanne.
She loved Walt Disney, playing the piano, watching the Yankees, UCONN basketball, spending time at their cottage on Tyler Lake with family and friends and most of all, fishing with her husband Jack. Barbara will be sadly missed by all but will remain forever in our hearts.
Her loving family in addition to her husband John includes her two daughters Kristen Mullen Olechnowich and husband Glenn of Stamford and Leslie Mullen of Seymour, her sister Carole Karlak of Seymour, her two cherished grandchildren Kiley Mullen of Houston and Dalton Olechnowich of Stamford, her daughter-in-law Sharon Ray of Houston, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many other close family members and friends. Barbara was predeceased by her beloved son Jeffrey J. Mullen (2009).
A Mass of Christian Burial in Celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at St. Augustine Church, 35 Washington Ave in Seymour. Interment will follow in the family plot at St. Augustine Cemetery in Seymour. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the Mass from 9:00 am until 10:15 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Barbara’s memory may be made to Seymour Pink or to St. Augustine Church, both through the funeral home.
The Miller-Ward Funeral Home of Seymour is compassionately caring for the family.
To light a virtual candle or to leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.millerwardfuneralhome.com
