In Loving Memory of Karen Irene Cooper
Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, and Friend
November 17, 1943 – June 17, 2025

With hearts full of sorrow yet overflowing with gratitude, love, and memories too precious to count, we celebrate the life of Karen Irene Cooper, a woman whose strong spirit, inner strength and unwavering love left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. She lived with grace, gave without condition, and left behind a legacy of kindness that will endure for generations.

Karen was the devoted wife of the late Francis T. Cooper, Jr. (“Ted”) and the daughter of Elinor and Ernie Villeneuve. Her life was formed by deep family bonds, including her cherished relationship with her in-laws, Ted and Eunice Cooper, whose love and guidance helped shape the woman she became.

Karen grew up surrounded by the love of her siblings David, Lauren, Phyllis, and Tommy with whom she shared lifelong bonds.

As part of a military family, Karen traveled the world in her early years, eventually making her home in Massachusetts, where she graduated from Weymouth High School. She went on to study at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, developing an appreciation for the arts. Her creativity was quiet but deep, expressed in the way she lived, decorated her home, and found beauty in the world around her.

Throughout her life she worked with dedication and care whether as a waitress at the Sons of Italy, office manager and bookkeeper at the family business T. Cooper General Contractor in Quincy, or later as a wire transfer specialist at Bank Boston. In every role, she brought diligence, warmth, and confidence that uplifted those around her.

On December 21, 1963, she married the love of her life, Ted. Their story began when she was just 15, blossomed over years of courtship, and grew into a marriage that lasted 60 beautiful years. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, music, pranks, and unforgettable gatherings with family and treasured friends – Zanowskis, Horners, Ciavattieris, Griffins and many more.

A natural nurturer, Karen poured her heart into her family and created a spotless home filled with comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. Her hugs had a way of making the world feel safe, and her smile could light up any room. She found joy in life’s simplest pleasures – sunshine on her skin, the sound of birds, a heartfelt conversation, a hot cup of tea, and time spent with the people she loved most.

She also had a deep love for animals, always making space in her life for furry companions and the joy they brought her. Her gentle soul and compassionate nature extended to all creatures, and she found comfort and connection in their presence.

More than anything, Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to Deb and her husband Paul, Glenn and his wife Jennifer, and Cheri and her husband Brian. She found endless pride and purpose in being “Nana” to Rebekkah, Wyatt, Mason, Cooper, and Colton, and “Great-Grandmother” to Leo and Lincoln – who brought light and laughter to her later years.

Karen’s presence was a gift – steadfast, loving, and true. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. Though she has left this world, her spirit remains with us, and her legacy is written in the smiles and stories of those who knew her.

Karen’s family wishes to give special thanks to her caretakers Marcia and Sunshyne, hospice nurses Lisa and Somalia, and the staff at Benchmark of Hanover, especially Tatiana for the love and care given to her over the past few years.

At the family’s request, services will be private. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.

For those who wish, donations in Karen’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 (www.alz.org/manh), or the Quincy Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 690088, Quincy, MA 02269 (www.quincyanimalshelter.org), or your local SPCA. Thank you!