Newtown resident Patrick Broas donated $3,100 to Newtown Animal Control Center in honor of his late partner on Tuesday, May 26.

This was not a spur of the moment decision for Broas. Everything, from the amount of money to the timing of the donation, was intentional.

Karen Karcheski, his late partner of 42 years, spent several years volunteering at Newtown Animal Control Center. This came very easily to her as she loved animals, especially cats, according to Broas.

"You don't want to know how many cats she had," he laughed.

Newtown Animal Control Center always had a special place in their hearts, even before it was built. Broas and Karcheski actually worked on the campaign to raise money to build the shelter.

The two of them worked hard to raise money; they asked friends who lived close by and even asked people when they traveled to Cape Cod for vacation. She also walked the dogs at the shelter for a long time, according to Broas.

"She was involved. She was walking dogs, contributing money, collecting money, and so on," Broas said.

To him, Karcheski was more than just his partner, she was his companion, mentor, and best friend.

They met in 1982, when Broas started substitute teaching at Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury.

"I went in for a job there and, long story short, in my first few years there, she taught me everything about teaching," Broas said.

From there, the two went on many adventures. She took him to Broadway, Cape Cod, Fenway Park, and countless other places over the years. Karcheski lived in Newtown for 15 to 20 years before moving to Monroe.

Karcheski was diagnosed in 2007 with Alzheimer's disease; Broas took care of her for 17 years until she passed in January 2025.

"And I would do it again and again," Broas said. "I loved taking care of her. I loved her."

After Karcheski passed, Broas, who eventually moved back to Newtown, wanted to give back to the place that meant so much to her. He donated $3,100 to Newtown Animal Control Center in her honor. The number references her birthday, May 31.

"I mean, her involvement here, her love of cats ... just everything. I was with her for 42 years, and I know she would want this," Broas said. “I can't even begin to tell you how many other things I've done for her, and I'm still doing."

Broas makes a point to visit her grave every day. He described himself as a person who is "always working and always moving," so visiting her grave gives him a moment of peace.

"I stay around half an hour to an hour, and I set there and I talk to her. I just look at the pond and the trees, and I reflect," Broas said.

In coordinating the donation with Newtown Animal Control Center, Municipal Animal Control Officer Emily Whittaker said Broas has become a frequent visitor.

She was the one who received the check donation from Broas on Tuesday.

"I think it's very touching what he's doing. The fact that he's keeping her memory alive and in the care of the animals that we have ... we can't put it into words. I'm just very appreciative of him and Karen," Whittaker said.

Broas wrote a eulogy dedicated to Karcheski, titled "Ode To Karen." It is dated May 31, 2025 — Karcheski's first birthday since her passing.

"My beloved Karen was my partner, my companion, my best friend, and my mentor," he wrote. "I would not be the person I am today without her. She took me to Newport, Cape Cod, Tanglewood, Broadway, Fenway Park, Port Jefferson and so much more. It is only fitting that I took her on her final journey home. I loved being her caregiver and I would do it again and again.

"May you rest in peace Karen, knowing you touched so many lives. Your loving partner and companion Patrick."

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.