Funeral arrangements for popular Craigavon school and youth worker Karen Winton described as 'a woman with the biggest heart'
‘She was a woman with the biggest heart’ said one friend as tributes flood in for a popular youth worker Karen Winton.
It is understood Karen died on Monday night due to health issues and was aged just in her early 40s.
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She worked as a youth worker in Tullygally and Drumgor and was a popular break supervisor at Lismore College in Craigavon.
Her husband Craig said: “Last night I lost not just the best wife but my rock Karen. She was the most kindest person I knew. She was one in a million and she touched so many people's lives. She will truly be missed by so many people. She is now back with her mum – no more suffering. Love you always babes. GBNF RIP Karen.”
Lismore College in Craigavon said: “We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our lunchtime supervisor, Karen.
"Karen was a familiar and caring presence in our school community and will be greatly missed by students, staff, and families alike.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen’s husband Craig, her family and her many friends at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
Karen Winton (née O'Brien) died on January 19th, 2026, peacefully at Craigavon Area Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
She was the dearly beloved wife of Craig, 24 Oakfields Craigavon, and much loved daughter of Joseph and the late Gemma O'Brien, and loving sister of Jim and Catherine, beloved sister-in-law of Karen and Barry, beloved daughter-in-law of Beverley and the late Trevor Winton, and sister-in-law of Kerry, Robert and Alistar, and a loving auntie to all her nephews and nieces.
Karen's remains will be reposing at her father Joseph's home 507 Drumbeg South Craigavon BT65 5AH on Wednesday from 2.00pm where family and friends will be welcome to call and pay their respects.
Her funeral will be held on Friday at 10.15am to St Anthony's Church Craigavon for 11.00am Requiem Mass. A burial service will be held after at St John's Cemetery Lylo.
One person said: “She sure was the woman with the biggest heart ever.”