Kathy J. Karanko

Her parents, the late Alda "Joyce" (Benoit) and Leonard Lawrence, welcomed their daughter into the world on July 31, 1955, in Keene, NH.

Kathy enjoyed a career in the bakery department at the former Edwards Supermarket and with Hannaford Supermarket in Keene. She later worked as breakfast manager at the Holiday Inn Express in Keene..

Kathy loved playing bingo and watching her favorite TV shows, Dancing with the Stars and American Idol.

Family brought her the greatest joy in life, especially when she was able to create special memories gathered around the table during the many holiday dinners that she hosted. She touched the hearts and lives of so many being a place of refuge and known as “Mom” to many childhood friends of her children.

She also enjoyed annual drives to visit family in Florida, stopping along the way for breakfast at the Waffle House.

Kathy loved all animals, finding companionship in her dearest dog Fletch and later a special place in her heart for her two tuxedo cats, Misty and Bella.

Kathy will be greatly missed by her husband of 32 years, Lawrence E. "Larry" Karanko of Keene; her children, Kelly Cleveland, Chris Goodman, Tammy Goodman and Tasha Hoskison, all born and raised in Keene, NH; 11 grandchildren 9 great grandchildren; a brother, Dana Lawrence, of North Port, FL; a sister, Lynn Curley and husband, Patrick, of Venice, FL; a brother-in-law, Arnold J. Karanko and wife, Pirkko, of Vetili, Finland; a sister-in-law, Linda Lawrence, of Venice, FL; and several nieces and nephews. A brother, Gary Lawrence, and a sister, Terry Buffum, predeceased Kathy.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022 beginning at 1:00PM at the VFW Post #799, 459 Winchester Street, Keene. Please bring a dish to share for the buffet and special memories of Kathy.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Mrs. Karanko’s memory to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446.