Ethel Catherine O'Hagan Karnbach

Lovingly known as Mom, Mother, Muddah, and Grandma, she passed peacefully at the age of 92 in the loving arms of her daughter, Patti Kessels, of Lake Monticello.

Born in Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn, New York, to Alfred and Ethel O’Hagan, Ethel entered the world alongside her identical twin, Marleen—a bond that remained one of the greatest joys of her life. Together, they filled rooms with laughter, stories, and a warmth that touched everyone lucky enough to know them. She grew up in a close-knit Irish family with her brothers Alfred, Brian, and Jimmy, and later her beloved younger sister, Patricia “Patty Loo.”

As a young girl, Ethel followed her love of dance, performing alongside her twin as a chorus line dancer. Not long after, as she would say, “I married the boy around the block,” James Karnbach, whom she loved to her dying day.

Ethel’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She raised eight children—Jimmy, Debi, Jenny, Cathie, Cindy, Patti, and the twins Jeffrey and Gregory—on Long Island, in the wonderful town of Lake Panamoka, creating a home filled with love, laughter, music, and dance. There was never a dull moment. Her legacy lives on through her many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-granddaughter, all of whom carry forward her spirit.

A true survivor, Ethel faced life’s challenges with quiet strength—overcoming serious illness and later living with dementia, always surrounded by love and care. In her final years, she found comfort and joy in singing, playing the organ, watching Ancient Aliens, and listening to Tom Jones, Andrea Bocelli, and plenty of music from the ’50s. Even with dementia, she could name that tune or artist nearly every time. She especially cherished time spent with her son, Jeffrey Karnbach, whose love, devotion, and thousands of kisses brought her endless happiness.

Living in the moment, she continued to embrace life fully and joyfully—traveling to Bermuda on a first-class cruise, sleeping under the shark tank at the Tennessee Aquarium (BEST TRIP EVER), camping in a Winnebago, picking tulips on a two-million-tulip farm, going to museums and the rodeo, and taking trips to Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, back to Brooklyn, and countless other adventures.

Just weeks before her passing, she saw Song Sung Blue on the big screen at the movie theater. She loved it! Those memories we shared will be treasured forever.

On January 21, there was a party in heaven. She was welcomed by her mom and dad; all her brothers; her twin, Marleen; her daughter, Jennifer Taaffe; her son-in-law, John Kessels; her other sons-in-law—George, Fred, Tom, and good old Johnny B.; and many dear family members and friends who went before her.

Ethel’s life was one of love, strength, and deep connection. She leaves behind a family who adored her and will carry her memory in their hearts always.

A Mass will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 12:00 noon at: Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 4309 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra, Virginia 22963

Followed by a celebration honoring the memory of our mom at: Lake Monticello Fire Department Maple Room, 10 Slice Road, Palmyra, Virginia 22963