Karen Dowling, of Abington, died unexpectedly December 3, 2021. She will be sorely missed, especially by the many staff who had the pleasure to work with her over her many years with Growthways.
Karen celebrated her 80th birthday in August of this year and was delighted that a “horsie” came to her party. She loved horses and cats and would talk about them routinely. She had a great sense of humor as well and would tease others, mostly staff that “ha-ha” she didn’t have to go the “school” (i.e. work) but we all did. Her cackle of a laugh was unique. Karen had the amazing gift to communicate stories and her wants and needs with very few words. She would tell you about the “white coats” while pulling at imaginary lapels to explain her doctor’s appointment. “Up to the moon” was how she would talk about her mother and her “CAT” Kilo, who had passed and were believed to be on the moon, not heaven. The letter “A” worked for many explanations, not the least of which was a previous employee to whom Karen was very attached. Her unique ability to successfully converse with very few words or sounds was impressive. Karen also had clear expectations of the ways things should be done. God forbid you put something in the wrong place or did a task out of order; she would clearly let you know her dissatisfaction. Cuss words were a part of her vocabulary and saved for such occasions.
Karen loved pictures and would spend hours looking at pictures she had taken or others had given to her,or, in some cases, those that belonged to others. She would do puzzles and for a long time would routinely bake cupcakes or muffins. She loved sweets and looked forward to her special hot chocolate each week. Being pampered was expected.
Though her years at Walnut Street were probably her best, life was not always easy for Karen. Karen had a sister who died young and a brother John. They had lived with their mother Gertrude who struggled to care for them due to her own limitations; consequently, the children were placed at one of the state institutions. Her mother and aunt advocated for them to be returned to their home in Brockton and eventually they were returned, albeit briefly, to the care of their mother before moving into a foster care placement. Karen knew she was loved and special. Her connection with her mum was genuine and sincere. As time went on, Karen moved into a Growthways residence on Perkins Street in Brockton and later to Abington; her brother John moved into a BAMSI program and mum moved to senior housing in Brockton. They would get together as a family celebrating special occasions and phone calls and visits together until her mother’s passing in 2007.
In addition to her biological family, Karen was an integral part of Growthways’ family. For close to 40 years, we had the pleasure and honor to care for and support Karen and will miss her dearly. We can only hope she is at peace with her family and friends & Cat –“up to the Moon.”
Visitation for Karen will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, in the Conley Funeral Home ,138 Belmont Street (rte. 123) Brockton from 12-1pm with a funeral service at 1pm. Burial in Colebrook Cemetery, Whitman at a later date.