Karen Margaret Craden

June 2, 1944 – July 12, 2025

Karen Margaret Craden, 81, of Scotch Plains, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, at Morristown Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Orange, New Jersey on June 2, 1944, Karen was the daughter of the late Alfred and Margaret Moretti. She grew up in Livingston and Ormand Beach, Florida, and later lived in Maplewood, before settling in Scotch Plains in 1984.

Karen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Together with her husband, Robert “Bob” Craden, she co-founded RDC Company, an office equipment business specializing in copiers and multifunctional office machinery. For the past 47 years, they worked side by side to grow the company into a successful family business.

While Karen didn’t pursue many hobbies, she was completely dedicated to her family—especially her cherished granddaughter, Emery Grace Wilson. She had a love for dogs, particularly Bingo, Puppy, Bailey, Dixie, and Mickey.  She enjoyed traveling, a vacation home in Florida, casino trips, and QVC shopping in her spare time.

Karen was predeceased by her daughter, Melissa, in 2021, and by her brother, Alfred Moretti, in 2013. She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert David Craden. The couple had just celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on July 1. She is also survived by her daughter, Heather Wilson, and son-in-law, Adam Wilson; her granddaughter, Emery Wilson; and her son-in-law, Marwan Henoud.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at St. Teresa Cemetery in Summit.