Karen was preceded in death by son Alfred C. Cote, daughter Jennifer A. Harney, and brother Carl W. Carlson, II. She was the beloved wife of Alfred L. Cote for 54 years; amazing, loving mother of David F. Cote and wife Lisa M. (Paradise) of Worcester, MA, Sharon K. Callahan and husband Jeffrey of Virginia Beach, VA, Joseph E. Cote of Fitchburg, MA, and Mary E. Fink of Baltimore; doting grandmother of Crystal M. Boisseau and husband Johnathen, Matthew A. Cote, Jeremy R. Callahan, Joshua J. Callahan, Stefeni S. Harney, Ethan J. Fink, Audrey K. Fink and Dax J. Cote; adoring great-grandmother of Jazmine L. and Mildred A. Boisseau; dear sister of Lorna L. Jewell and husband Richard; and wonderful aunt to several nieces and nephews.
Karen was born in Worcester, MA, September 27, 1943, daughter of the late Carl W. and Frances L. (McCullen) Carlson. She grew up in Shrewsbury, MA, was an underwriter’s assistant at State Mutual Life Assurance Company, married in 1963, then became a stay at home mom to her six children. Throughout the years, she had various sales and customer service jobs – she even brought her children with her to deliver the newspaper, sell Avon and peddle Tupperware. It was her goal to have a conversation with just about everyone she met and working at Douglas Drug, Julio’s Market and Walmart gave her many opportunities.
Karen loved to be around people, always making everyone feel like a part of her family, a second mom to many of her children’s friends - fun times at concerts, Howe State Park and the favorite place for ice cream, Ronnie’s. You always had to be on the lookout for the belly grabber because she sure loved to tickle people and make them laugh. Spending quality time with her children and grandchildren, was her livelihood - endless practices, dance recitals, sporting events, rain or shine, you name it … always the loudest cheerleader. She frequently jumbled all their names together including the pets before settling on the right one.
Karen loved her many pets over the years, enjoyed gardening and all kinds of flowers, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, Sunday crossword puzzles with Al, fishing with Jan and Mert, camping, and above all, swimming. She was happiest when floating in a pool or taking a dip in the ocean. Hawaii was her favorite vacation spot. She was a huge fan of the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. After relocating to Baltimore, family members begrudgingly accepted her newfound love of the Ravens and Orioles.
Taking pictures of Karen was always a challenge – she just had to make silly faces. She had special names for many people and her own vocabulary with imaginative words, like wingydingything, whatchamajiggy, whoozawhatsis and peeyankydanks.
Karen was a very special lady with an infectious laugh and the biggest heart who touched so many with her kindness. She will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends at Miller-Dippel Funeral Home, Inc., 6415 Belair Rd., Baltimore MD 21206, on Friday, July 28, 2017, from 2:00 – 3:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM.
Memorial donations in Karen's memory may be made to Defenders of Animal Rights Inc., 14412 Old York Road, P.O. Box 25, Phoenix, MD 21131.
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