Karen E. Kelly, 82, died peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 27, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on December 2, 1939 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to the late George and Mary O’Brien Forrest. She attended Lenox High School and was a 1957 graduate.
Karen began her career at KB Toys in 1973. After 30 years she ended her career as an Administrative Assistant for the Senior VP of Human Resources. She was proud to be one of the few who had the opportunity to retire from KB Toys before its closing.
Karen was a former board member at The Pediatric Development Center. She was a communicant of both St. Ann Church and St. Vincent de Paul Church.
Karen got the greatest enjoyment spending time with and watching her grandchildren play sports.
Mrs. Kelly is survived by her seven children: Kim E. Walker (Donald) of Lee, Lisa K. Kane (Tim) of Lenox, Sharon M. Keenan (Tom), Tari A. Curley, Mark T. Kelly (Kelly), Keith E. Kelly (Denise), and Kevin J. Kelly (Melissa), all of Lee; her 19 grandchildren: Christopher, Katelyn, Rachelle, and Cara Walker, Carolyn Hogencamp (Brian), Jeffrey Kane, Amy Carreras, (Justin), Tommy Keenan (Danica), Kelly Gore (Ricky), Matthew Keenan, Ashley Alter, Lisa Curley, Mikayla and Ben Kelly, Bryan Kelly, Alyssa Farnham (Matt), Kevin Jr., Kaden, and Kyle Kelly; nine great-grandchildren: Sierra Twing, Mitchell and Darren Keenan, Braelyn, Amelia, Declan, and Julius Gore, and Jennie and Ellie Hogencamp; sister-in-law Marsha Forrest, niece and nephewLynn Marie and Gige Ryan; her lifelong best friend Carol Consolati, and her beloved cat Lulu.
Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by her brother Ned Forrest and her sister-in-law M. Lynn Kelly Ryan.
Karen’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to her granddaughter, Kelly Gore, for the care she gave to her grandmother, and to her caregivers Barbara, Fatima, Francine, Pam, and Tanya.
The funeral for Mrs. Karen E. Kelly will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Ann Church. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday, Feb. 4 from 5–7 p.m. at Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240. Due to COVID protocol, masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory may be made to the Lee Youth Commission, Hospice of Western & Central Massachusetts, or The Pediatric Development Center, in care of the funeral home. To share memories and stories, please visit the Roche Funeral Home website.
