Karissa Mary Margaret Matthews - Born on April 8, 1985, and passed away at her home in Troy, New York, on July 10, 2025. She leaves behind a loving father (Pops), David James Matthews and his wife, Debbie Bulson-Matthews, her loving mother, Annette Boivin, the love of her life and partner, Eli Pearson, Eli’s siblings whom she had special relationships with for many years: Jennifer and Tucker, Jed, Kristina and Nick, Karl and Jada, and their niece Clara and nephew Teddy, plus Eli's mom Beth, who she went on lots of trips with and spent some Christmas’s together that also included Eli’s stepdad, Steve and the whole family. She also got to know Eli’s dad, Dale, and stepmother Cathy, and enjoyed adventures and memories together with them. She leaves behind a brother, Dylan Littlejohn and his partner in life Kristin Harrington, sisters Christina Littlejohn, Amanda Morgan (Littlejohn) and her husband Nicholas Morgan, Nephews Gavin Mossey, Miles Morgan, a niece Fia Morgan, as well as so many more loving families, friends and a community to whom loved her so.
Karissa graduated from Tamarac (Brittonkill) High School. She worked at Subway, expressing her artistry through her passion for food, moved on to work for New York State Tax and Finance, expressing her abilities above her grade, then pursued a career at A Sunshine Palace Day Care, expressing her love and influence to her children, where she was known as Ms. Karissa, who was adored by all of the people she touched. Her bond with the staff and the children of the future will never be forgotten and will be cherished for a lifetime by each and every one of them.
Karissa enjoyed travelling with Eli, seeing novel places, meeting new people, exploring new restaurants, and enjoying the world around her. She loved just hanging out with her long-term partner, Eli, along with family and friends. She adored her pets, especially their dog, Sonny, their late cat, Roscoe, their late hedgehog, Ralphie, and their newest addition, Simon “Cat”. She enjoyed reminiscing on the good times, shopping and gathering little knick knacks and memorabilia, and watching and talking about the best horror movies ever made...
She was that young woman who made everyone feel welcomed. Her smile would brighten an entire room, her eyes would show how much you are loved, her laugh would make all around her feel joy, she had the best sense of humor, an inner strength that could hold up many mountains. She always encouraged and shared love, kindness, and laughter with those she met. She was a gift to this world and will be greatly missed, but never ever forgotten.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Howard B. Tate and Son Funeral Home Inc., located at 2237 NY Route 7, in Raymertown on Tuesday July 15, 2025, from 4-6pm. Feel free to dress comfortably and come as you are.
The loss of Karissa is the deepest heartache. It is a reminder that time passes too quickly. So, in honor of our beautiful girl, we ask that you steal time back and reach out to an old friend or family member and reminisce about old times. It just may bring you to a place where the story continues.
Karissa graduated from Tamarac (Brittonkill) High School. She worked at Subway, expressing her artistry through her passion for food, moved on to work for New York State Tax and Finance, expressing her abilities above her grade, then pursued a career at A Sunshine Palace Day Care, expressing her love and influence to her children, where she was known as Ms. Karissa, who was adored by all of the people she touched. Her bond with the staff and the children of the future will never be forgotten and will be cherished for a lifetime by each and every one of them.
Karissa enjoyed travelling with Eli, seeing novel places, meeting new people, exploring new restaurants, and enjoying the world around her. She loved just hanging out with her long-term partner, Eli, along with family and friends. She adored her pets, especially their dog, Sonny, their late cat, Roscoe, their late hedgehog, Ralphie, and their newest addition, Simon “Cat”. She enjoyed reminiscing on the good times, shopping and gathering little knick knacks and memorabilia, and watching and talking about the best horror movies ever made...
She was that young woman who made everyone feel welcomed. Her smile would brighten an entire room, her eyes would show how much you are loved, her laugh would make all around her feel joy, she had the best sense of humor, an inner strength that could hold up many mountains. She always encouraged and shared love, kindness, and laughter with those she met. She was a gift to this world and will be greatly missed, but never ever forgotten.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Howard B. Tate and Son Funeral Home Inc., located at 2237 NY Route 7, in Raymertown on Tuesday July 15, 2025, from 4-6pm. Feel free to dress comfortably and come as you are.
The loss of Karissa is the deepest heartache. It is a reminder that time passes too quickly. So, in honor of our beautiful girl, we ask that you steal time back and reach out to an old friend or family member and reminisce about old times. It just may bring you to a place where the story continues.
