Karen Eileen (Hines) Kelley of Lynnfield, formerly of Salem, Groton, Brockton and South Boston, died on October 24, 2023 after a short illness at the age of 72.
Karen was the loving mother to Erin Soo Curley and her husband Patrick of Lynnfield, MA, and to Peter-Jon Kelley of Incheon, South Korea, and cherished “Nahne” to her beloved grandchildren, Alan and Hannah Curley. She is also survived by many loving family members and friends. Sue Hennessy and Monica West were especially kind and present friends in the last few years.
Karen was the devoted daughter to the late Paul V. and Margaret (Welch) Hines, and the loving sister to her predeceased siblings and in-laws, Marjorie Kearney, Dorothy and husband Rev. Deacon Edward Creutz, Paul “Skip” and wife Mary Hines, Jane and husband William “Bill” McGregor, and Barbara McDonald. She was the loving aunt and friend to her late niece Paula Kearney.
Karen was proud of establishing her own business, Morning Glory Redesign, in which she used her creativity and eye for all things beautiful to show off her talents as an interior redesigner. Karen was always happy to share her tips and tricks, whether decorating for the holidays, planning for a party or caring for plants and gardens. Her love for gardening encompassed finding unique beauties that she HAD to have and smelling all their amazing fragrances. Karen was most at peace sitting near the ocean, toes in the water, breathing in the salty air, listening to the sound of the waves crashing, and feeling the warmth of the sun and tickle of the breeze on her skin.
Karen was a beam of light for all who knew her. She led with love, always with a beautiful smile, quick wit, great story, touch of sass and invaluable advice and guidance. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. They will miss making cranberry sauce with her every Thanksgiving and precious conversations over backyard picnics or meals on the deck. To her family, Karen is remembered for her impeccable memory and ability to draw on decades of memories and details with family and friends, and also for being positive and optimistic, even in the face of challenges and declining health.
Karen loved to plan a party and make memories with those she loved, and in that spirit, a Celebration of Life is being planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory may be made to Element Care, which, since 2019, coordinated and provided all of Karen’s healthcare services under the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Element Care is a non-profit healthcare organization with a simple mission: to help older adults live safely and comfortably in their homes and communities for as long as they can. Karen was deeply grateful to everyone on the Element Care team. Element Care Administration, 235 Woodland North, Lynn MA 01904.