Karen Ann Baldwin, 64, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, June 10th.
Karen lived a life of unwavering kindness, compassion, and conviction. She was a friend to many, a mother, a sister, a wife, an artist, a feminist, an intellectual, and many other things depending on the day.
Karen was born in Rockford, Illinois, to the late Patricia and Harry Pozzi. She attended the University of Dayton (Ohio), where she was most proud of her volunteer service helping the poor rural communities of Appalachia. She went on to a career in advertising, spent time working for Planned Parenthood, and did a stint as a stay-at-home mom. Later in life she started a new career in emergency medical dispatching and fashion retail.
She married her late ex-husband, but lifelong partner, Patrick Baldwin, with whom she raised her two sons, Adam and Michael. Karen was often seen walking around the lake at Wellesley College or the streets of downtown Natick, a community she loved and made her home, with her beloved chihuahua of 11 years, Hugo. She was quick to strike up a conversation, or make a new friend wherever she went. Her kindness and sincerity made her unforgettable to those who met her. She could single-handedly get an entire room dancing, and often did. She was a voracious reader and a lover of nature. She was once described in a local newspaper as an anonymous vandal. She was a gifted artist in many different mediums, but humbly insisted her work was “just arts and crafts.” She was often the center of attention without ever stealing it.
Karen eventually got sick. She decided to turn her illness into an opportunity to laugh and celebrate life with even more vigor. The grace and dignity with which she carried herself during that time was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Karen is survived by her loving son, Michael Baldwin, and his partner, Kerry Moynihan, of Westborough; her three brothers: Michael Pozzi and his wife, Lisa, of Hoffman Estates, IL; Tony Pozzi of Rockford, IL, and John Pozzi and his wife, Tracey, of Rockford, IL, as well as a community of loving and devoted friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: MSPCA, https://www.mspca.org/donate-now/
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 23rd at 11:00 A.M. in John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, Natick, MA 01760.
Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 10:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. in the funeral home.