WESTFIELD – It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Karen Sonja Sherlaw (1938-2023). She passed peacefully in her home after suffering from a brief illness. Her generous, compassionate heart and unconditional love will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Predeceased by her husband, Lawrence A. Sherlaw. One of seven children, she was also predeceased by sisters: Wanda Hamel, Sandra Bostwick, Marlene Carlson and brothers: Marvin Sjostrom and Douglas Sjostrom.
She leaves behind her youngest brother, Gary Sjostrom. She was a devoted mother to daughter Pamela and husband James Keavney, grandchildren Ryan, Jessica and Timothy; great-grandson Noah. She leaves behind son Larry Sherlaw and his family.
Referred to as: Ma, Rabbit, Aunt Karen and Aunt Connie… she was a loving Aunt/Mother to ALL her many nieces and nephews, as well as their children. As a nature lover and gifted gardener, she shared her beautiful home with her beloved nephew Keith and his sons Tim and Terry Taskey through the last sixteen years.
Her Swedish heritage was a tremendous source of joy to her, which she lovingly shared all of the traditions with her family. She worked as a Lab Tech and Phlebotomist for many years. She shared her abilities serving as a Hospice volunteer. Through her deep faith in Jesus, she extended grace, mercy, comfort, and compassion to everyone that she encountered.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the Baystate Hospice program and their staff (at Springfield Baystate) for their compassionate support, serving her with dignity and love.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations: Baystate Hospice program or St. Jude.
The Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
