Karen L. Page
...a lifetime of achievements; 58
TEWKSBURY - Karen L. Page, age 58, a most remarkable woman who overcame a lifetime of seemingly impossible obstacles, died Monday evening, Nov. 16, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, from the effects of a lifelong battle with polio. She will be remembered as a beacon of courage, whom never allowed her affliction to hold her back, all done with a warm smile and a "can-do" attitude.
She was born in Cambridge, on March 13, 1951, a daughter of Lena R. (Toppi) Page of Owl's Head, Maine, and the late S. Everett Page. She was raised in Tewksbury and graduated T.M.H.S. with the class of 1969. She was wheelchair bound throughout her life, but managed to graduate from Middlesex Community College in Lowell, then matriculate to Northeastern University, where she earned a Bachelors Degree, and later a Masters Degree. She worked as a councilor at the Woburn Rehabilitation Hospital. She was also active with the Lowell Office of the Northeast Independent Living Association.
But, her most remarkable achievements throughout her life was the birth of her daughter, Lynn Goodwin-Githitu who survives her and now resides in Methuen.
She is also survived by her son-in-law, Jonathan Githitu of Methuen, three beloved grandchildren, James, Jonathan Jr., and Lillyana Githitu; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Bernice Reiss of Tewksbury, Wade and Mary Page of Tyngsboro, Gordon and Janet Page of Owl's Head, Maine; a sister, Dolores Ventre of Somerville, and several nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Mass was held Thursday, Nov. 19, in St. William's Church, Tewksbury. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen. Memorials to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701, will be appreciated.