Karen J. (Reilly) Kennedy, 62, of Wareham passed away Monday, April 19, 2021 unexpectedly at Tobey Hospital. She was the wife of John T. Kennedy, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage.
Born in Bangor, Maine, the daughter of the late Richard J. and June (O'Dell) Reilly, she was raised in Danvers and lived in Dartmouth for many years before moving to Wareham in 1986. She was a graduate of Dartmouth High School, Class of 1976.
Throughout the years Karen was a foster mother for many area children and eventually adopted her five children. She was also an at-home caregiver for disabled individuals through the Department of Developmental Services for many years.
Karen was like sunshine on a cloudy day, she always had a smile on her face. She was always on the go, helping others, and put their needs before her own. She enjoyed camping, shopping, eating Chinese food, and enjoying life.
She is survived by her husband, John; five children, Wanda Kennedy, Jayson Kennedy, Raymond Kennedy, Katlyn MacDonald and her husband Jay, and Brian Kennedy and his partner Jeff Osswald; six grandchildren, Kelsey, Xavier, Connor, Logan, Lilly, and R.J.; her great-grandson, Legend; her siblings, Joseph Reilly and his wife Diane, Coleen Reilly, Linda Reilly, Patti O'Brien and her partner Debbie Silvia, and James Reilly and his wife Jessica; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was predeceased by her special niece, Lori DeCosta.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday April 24, 2021 at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church, Dartmouth. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 4-7 PM the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Due to the current pandemic, you must wear a mask and practice social distancing. Capacity at the funeral home will be limited. Guests will be permitted to pay their respects and depart to let the next guests to enter. Thank you for your cooperation.