Karen J. (Nellis) Tomkins age 71 of Horseheads , NY passed away on Saturday September 6, 2025. Karen was born September 5, 1954 in Elmira New York the daughter of Thomas and Shirley A. Russell Nellis . She married her husband Paul Forrest Tomkins on May 14, 1973 they recently celebrated their 52 Wedding Anniversary on May 14, 2025. Paul pre-deceased Karen on May 23, 2025. She was also pre-deceased by her sister Sherril Nellis DeSandro on August 9, 2018 and by her mother Shirley A. Russell Nellis on November 27, 2021 and by her granddaughter Mary Grace Tomkins. She was a long-time communicant of St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads, NY Karen was a retired school teacher with the Penn Yan Central School in Penn Yan , NY. Karen loved her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with them. Karne is survived by her beloved children: Paul and Amy Tomkins , Karen Kampus, Matthew and Megan Tomkins , and Amy and Thomas Barr ; 15 cherished grandchildren; father: Thomas Nellis ; sisters and brothers in law : Amy and Jim Montgomery , Julie and David Gehl ; brother-in-law and sister-in – law: Ivan and Karen Tomkins ; several nieces , nephews , cousins , and a host of caring friends. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS , NY on Sunday September 14, 2025 from 5-7 PM. Karen's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday September 15, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Mary Our Mother Church 816 West Broad Street Horseheads , NY. Karen will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Paul in St. Mary Our Mother Cemetery in Horseheads, NY. Words of Condolence and memories may be shared at www.lynchsfuneralhome.com .