Karen E. Brown, 80, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024. True to her longstanding night owl nature, she transitioned in the wee hours of the morning, and on a date that matched her firecracker personality. Karen was the cherished wife of Robert "Bob", with whom she celebrated 61 years of marriage.
A lifelong resident of Smithfield, Karen was born in the Spragueville area to the late Mary E (O’Melia) and Oscar J. Rathier. She and Bob then moved to the village of Greenville, where they remained enmeshed in the community for many decades. Karen devoted her boundless energy and enthusiasm to her family and was always ready to help make their lives happy in any way possible. When her kids were young, this included being a Girl Scout troop leader and a Cub Scout pack leader. As her kids entered their teen years, Karen was Mom Brown to many of the neighborhood kids, always ready to host a sleepover, feed everyone her fabulous meals, encourage ping-pong tournaments, provide space for band practice, and marvel in all the activity and joy around her.
Karen graduated from St. Xavier Academy in Providence and went on to work for New England Telephone & Telegraph. Her most fulfilling career was her 20 years as the Lead Receptionist for Harmony Hill School in Glocester. She cared deeply for the children at the school, along with their families and caregivers.
Karen was passionate about bettering the lives of both people and animals, and cared for a countless number of both. There was a long-running joke about the signs that must be posted in the woods to lead the way to her home so the animals could all be lovingly taken care of. She was fond of feeding any stray animals who discovered her generosity and nurturing any in need of assistance. With a plethora of feeders, houses and baths for all the birds, and her natural green thumb abilities, her yard became something of a sanctuary. She and Bob spent many hours enjoying the company and wonder of nature.
This love of nature and her first Brownie camera, gifted by her sister Patricia, began her hobby as a nature photographer.
Karen exhibited at North Scituate Public Library and Cumberland Public Library and gifted many of her photographs to charities.
Karen is survived by her husband Robert R. Brown of Greenville, son Glenn R. Brown of Greenville, son Eric A. Brown and his companion Melissa Yarbrough of Silver City NM, and Julie A. (Brown) Lepore and her husband Michael of Greenville. She is predeceased by her sisters Mary F. Brown and her husband Alexander of Mont Vernon NH, Maureen D. Macari and her husband Pasco of Greenville, and Patricia A. Gillerin and her husband Richard of Smithfield.
Services were held privately on July 8, through Anderson Winfield Funeral Home. Donations in Karen’s memory may be made to Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of RI, 2865 Tower Hill Rd, Saunderstown RI 02874
Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of RI