WESTFIELD – On September 21, Dr. Karen Aborjaily Simm (70) of Westfield, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, at home. Karen was born in Boston on April 14, 1952 to Dr. Alfred N. Aborjaily and Catherine (Solomon) Aborjaily. The family moved to Westfield in 1957. Karen received her Bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College in 1974. She earned her Master’s degree in Health Systems Technology from Georgia Tech, and in 1981 received her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Karen opened her own dental office in Westfield where she practiced for years, retiring in 2016. Her office was located in the same building where her father, a well-respected Westfield OB/GYN, had also practiced for many decades. Karen was a strong supporter of the Westfield and greater Springfield communities. She served as a board member for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, the Valley District Dental Society, and the Westfield Chapter of the American Red Cross. She also served as a corporator for Westfield Bank and the Westfield Athenaeum. She was an active member of the Westfield Tuesday Afternoon Club, and gave generously of her time, talents, and resources to many organizations. In 2015 she flew to the Philippines to provide dental care aboard the USNS Mercy ship on the Pacific Partnership mission. Karen was deeply devoted to her husband David, caring for him for many years. Her son Dave was the center of her life. Karen touched everyone she knew with her kindness, generosity and empathy. People turned to Karen for advice and support; she was a close confidante for family members and friends alike, and was the first to bring a gourmet meal (or meals!) if a friend or family member was sick or in need. She was famous for her delicious recipes, particularly her Lebanese hummus and baklawa, and belonged to a gourmet cooking club for years. Karen and David loved classical music, and had season tickets to the Springfield Symphony. They also enjoyed and supported the Majestic Theater in West Springfield. Karen loved travel, boating, the ocean, and long walks on the beach.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Alfred, her mother, Catherine, and her brother-in-law David Bannish of Westfield.
She will be deeply missed by her husband of 33 years, David J. Simm of Westfield, and her son David A. Simm and wife Amanda. She also will be deeply missed by her siblings Ruth Aborjaily of Westfield, Eric Aborjaily and wife Deena of Dover, MA, Lisa Aborjaily Haidar and husband Simon of Wellesley, MA, by David’s daughters Linda Simm Renne and husband Gary, and Nancy Simm and partner Ernie Lawas, by her cousin Lydia Garvey and husband Kevin, and by her Aunt Lucille Abdelahad. Many other family members and dear friends will miss Karen more than words can express.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Karen’s name be made to the Dr. Karen Aborjaily Simm Scholarship Fund. Donations can be sent to Westfield Bank at 560 East Main Street, Westfield MA 01085. A Celebration of Life for Karen will be held at a future date to be announced. Anyone wishing to be notified of the arrangements is asked to send an email to [email protected]. The family has requested that those with photos and memories of Karen they wish to share also email them to [email protected]. Firtionadams.com
