Karen Louise (Newell) Hirtle of Derry, NH, passed away from a long battle of cancer, peacefully at her home on September 10, 2014. She was surrounded by her loving family. Karen was born in Somerville, MA on July 16, 1954. She was the daughter of George Avery Newell and Norma Edna (Corwin) Newell. Karen has six brothers, George Avery Newell, Roland Newell (predeceased), Bruce Newell, Douglas Newell, and Steven Newell. She and her family lived in Charlestown, MA, and most of her childhood summers, she had vacationed in Nova Scotia with her family. Karen is a graduate from Malden High school. Karen is a loving wife and mother. Karen and her husband Richard Weston Hirtle have been married for 44 years; they have three children, Richard Weston Hirtle II (Son), Amy-June (Hirtle) Methot (Daughter), and Daniel Weston Hirtle (Son). She has seven grandchildren, she loved very dearly. Later in life Karen decided to return to school, where she had earned her Bachelors Degree of Human Services at Springfield College in Springfield, MA. Karen enjoyed helping anyone in need, and that is what she did. Karen was a Youth Counselor at The Sununu Youth Center in Manchester, NH for twelve years. Karen mostly enjoyed playing Bingo, traveling, her two best friends Judy and Sharon, shopping, spending time with her family and grandchildren, crocheting, short trips with her daughter Amy, and granddaughter Ally. They were always together. Karen always loved to laugh and to be happy. She will always be loved by her family and friends.
There are no calling hours. Following cremation, a celebration of Karen's life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2014 from 5 – 9pm at the VFW Hall (upstairs), 18 Railroad Ave., Derry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Karen's memory to The Hirtle Family, 2 Bridge St., Derry, NH 03038.