NEW YORK: Karen Ellen Willey, age 67, formerly of Chester and Westfield MA, most recently residing in Plattsburgh NY, passed away due to complications of living with lung cancer for many years.
Karen was born in Shirley MA, but spent her early years in Germany and California due to her father being in the Air Force. She eventually returned to western Massachusetts and graduated from Westfield high school in 1971. After marrying her husband Steve in July of 1971, she spent her adult life living in various locations in Michigan, New Hampshire and New York while her husband served in the Air Force. Her home for the last 35 years has been Plattsburgh, NY in the Champlain Valley. Karen enjoyed volunteering at her children’s schools and creative pastimes such as baking, cake decorating, crocheting, cooking for her family, and crafts. Her greatest joys in life were celebrating holidays and special occasions as well as vacationing with the people she loved, especially her children and grandchildren to whom she was exceptionally devoted. Her favorite activities included camping, sitting on an ocean beach so she could hear the sound of the waves and smell the salty air, and seeing the autumn colors. She will always be remembered for her strength, kind smile, and legendary strawberry jam – as well as the many wayward felines who adopted her home as their own over the years.
Karen was predeceased by her mother Barbara Carrington, stepfather Albert Carrington, father Harold Viock, and sister Debra Whitmore. She is survived by her husband of 49 years Steven A. Willey, her daughters Heather C. Willey and Courtney E. Willey, her son Steven A. Willey II, and their respective partners, as well as her grandchildren Jacob, Mason, Rhonan, Malachi, Quinn, and Sterling. She is also survived by her sisters Diane Dunham, Kelly Cooley, Kim Graham, and many nieces and nephews.
Karen will reach her final resting place at Russell Cemetery in Russell, MA on Friday, Nov 6 at 1 pm. All are welcome to join us. Due to Covid concerns, there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to your favorite charity, to love one another, and be kind. Firtionadams.com
