Karen "Hazel" Benson of Moody, Maine passed away on Sunday, June 20th after losing a courageous battle with COVID19.
She was 74.
She was born in Concord, NH on December 13, 1946 to Charles Paire and Lillian (Larlee) and was raised in Penacook, NH.
During her youth Karen was an active member of the Girl Scouts and in later years regularly hosted reunion weekends at her home.
Karen graduated from Penacook high school where she participated in varsity sports and numerous school activities.
In 1965 Karen met the love of her life, Peter, which led to a 55-year love affair. After their first date she told her mother "This is the boy I'm going to marry," and indeed they did marry on October 16, 1965.
Karen and Peter settled in Boscawen, NH and began raising their two sons, Peter Charles and Jeffrey Royal (incidentally, born on his mother's birthday).
In 1973, Peter's job with N.H.D.O.T. required a move to Keene, NH, and she willingly packed up and off they went to where they would live for the next 29 years.
In 1977, Karen started working at Granite Bank (originally Keene Savings Bank) as an installment loan secretary. She received multiple promotions over the years and when she retired she held the title of Senior Vice President.
Karen was involved in many bank actives and enjoyed her colleagues immensely. She often said she had the best job in the world.
Karen played an important role in many community activities in Keene, including, sitting on the board of the United Way and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She also enjoyed performing as a clown (going by the name of Benny) for the Keene Lions Club.
On April 30, 2002 Karen joined Peter in retirement and they purchased a house in Wells, Maine. In 2005 they sold that house and purchased a condo in Moody, Maine. This would allow them (without the worry of exterior home maintenance) to pursue one of their passions, traveling.
Karen loved to travel with her husband and together they traveled the world. Her very favorite trips were to Venice, Italy where she and Peter danced in Saint Marks Square; to Baja California, Mexico to observe and pet the gray whales and their babies; and to the central highlands of Mexico to observe the millions of monarch butterflies that migrate and winter there.
Karen was an accomplished seamstress and especially loved to quilt, creating beautiful, personalized quilts for family members and friends. She was also a participant in quilting projects that were donated to charitable and veteran's groups. Karen sewed and donated masks to the Wells police department during the pandemic.
Karen loved solving crossword and sudoku puzzles and never missed an episode of Jeopardy.
Karen was an avid golfer. A happy day during the summer consisted of a round of golf with the girls followed by an iced coffee and long chat. She especially looked forward to Mother's Day each year when she got to spend the day with her sons on the golf course.
Karen was best known for her kind-heartedness, quick smile, and her ability to make instant friends and make people feel comfortable. She cherished her friends. Whether lifelong or new she was always available to lend a helping hand.
Most of all Karen loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She took great joy in nurturing her sons, following their school activities and athletic accomplishments. She was their confidant and no matter what the problem was, would find the right solution. They adored her.
She was a wonderful wife to Peter who called her the best thing that ever happened to him. He adored her.
The first grandchild arrived in 1990 and over the next 10 years eight more followed. Thus, earning their title "the nine best grandchildren ever." They brought much joy to Karen; she cherished the time spent with them. She looked forward to each June when her three granddaughters would visit for a weekend to do something fun and enjoy an ice cream cone before leaving on Sunday night. Whether teaching a granddaughter to sew, or counseling a grandson to save his money, Karen loved each one unconditionally and was adored by all of them. With the recent births of great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Adley another new generation in the family tree has begun. Karen was fortunate enough to love and hold each before her illness. They would have adored her.
Karen was predeceased by her grandparents John and Hazel Larlee and her parents. She is survived by her husband Peter; son Peter and wife Michelle, son Jeffrey and wife Cynthia; grandchildren Kelsie Stuart and husband Collin, Kendall, Courtney, Ty, Gage, Peter and fiancé Emma, Hayden, Cole and Steven; great-grandchildren Lincoln Stuart and Adley Benson; sister Sandra Brodeur and husband Ed; and several nieces and nephews.
Honoring Karen's wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a donation in Karen's name to your local Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.
Information from the Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street Kennebunk ME
She was 74.
She was born in Concord, NH on December 13, 1946 to Charles Paire and Lillian (Larlee) and was raised in Penacook, NH.
During her youth Karen was an active member of the Girl Scouts and in later years regularly hosted reunion weekends at her home.
Karen graduated from Penacook high school where she participated in varsity sports and numerous school activities.
In 1965 Karen met the love of her life, Peter, which led to a 55-year love affair. After their first date she told her mother "This is the boy I'm going to marry," and indeed they did marry on October 16, 1965.
Karen and Peter settled in Boscawen, NH and began raising their two sons, Peter Charles and Jeffrey Royal (incidentally, born on his mother's birthday).
In 1973, Peter's job with N.H.D.O.T. required a move to Keene, NH, and she willingly packed up and off they went to where they would live for the next 29 years.
In 1977, Karen started working at Granite Bank (originally Keene Savings Bank) as an installment loan secretary. She received multiple promotions over the years and when she retired she held the title of Senior Vice President.
Karen was involved in many bank actives and enjoyed her colleagues immensely. She often said she had the best job in the world.
Karen played an important role in many community activities in Keene, including, sitting on the board of the United Way and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She also enjoyed performing as a clown (going by the name of Benny) for the Keene Lions Club.
On April 30, 2002 Karen joined Peter in retirement and they purchased a house in Wells, Maine. In 2005 they sold that house and purchased a condo in Moody, Maine. This would allow them (without the worry of exterior home maintenance) to pursue one of their passions, traveling.
Karen loved to travel with her husband and together they traveled the world. Her very favorite trips were to Venice, Italy where she and Peter danced in Saint Marks Square; to Baja California, Mexico to observe and pet the gray whales and their babies; and to the central highlands of Mexico to observe the millions of monarch butterflies that migrate and winter there.
Karen was an accomplished seamstress and especially loved to quilt, creating beautiful, personalized quilts for family members and friends. She was also a participant in quilting projects that were donated to charitable and veteran's groups. Karen sewed and donated masks to the Wells police department during the pandemic.
Karen loved solving crossword and sudoku puzzles and never missed an episode of Jeopardy.
Karen was an avid golfer. A happy day during the summer consisted of a round of golf with the girls followed by an iced coffee and long chat. She especially looked forward to Mother's Day each year when she got to spend the day with her sons on the golf course.
Karen was best known for her kind-heartedness, quick smile, and her ability to make instant friends and make people feel comfortable. She cherished her friends. Whether lifelong or new she was always available to lend a helping hand.
Most of all Karen loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She took great joy in nurturing her sons, following their school activities and athletic accomplishments. She was their confidant and no matter what the problem was, would find the right solution. They adored her.
She was a wonderful wife to Peter who called her the best thing that ever happened to him. He adored her.
The first grandchild arrived in 1990 and over the next 10 years eight more followed. Thus, earning their title "the nine best grandchildren ever." They brought much joy to Karen; she cherished the time spent with them. She looked forward to each June when her three granddaughters would visit for a weekend to do something fun and enjoy an ice cream cone before leaving on Sunday night. Whether teaching a granddaughter to sew, or counseling a grandson to save his money, Karen loved each one unconditionally and was adored by all of them. With the recent births of great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Adley another new generation in the family tree has begun. Karen was fortunate enough to love and hold each before her illness. They would have adored her.
Karen was predeceased by her grandparents John and Hazel Larlee and her parents. She is survived by her husband Peter; son Peter and wife Michelle, son Jeffrey and wife Cynthia; grandchildren Kelsie Stuart and husband Collin, Kendall, Courtney, Ty, Gage, Peter and fiancé Emma, Hayden, Cole and Steven; great-grandchildren Lincoln Stuart and Adley Benson; sister Sandra Brodeur and husband Ed; and several nieces and nephews.
Honoring Karen's wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a donation in Karen's name to your local Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.
Information from the Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street Kennebunk ME
Karen "Hazel" Benson of Moody, Maine passed away on Sunday, June 20th after losing a courageous battle with COVID19.
She was 74.
She was born in Concord, NH on December 13, 1946 to Charles Paire and Lillian (Larlee) and was raised in Penacook, NH.
During her youth Karen was an active member of the Girl Scouts and in later years regularly hosted reunion weekends at her home.
Karen graduated from Penacook high school where she participated in varsity sports and numerous school activities.
In 1965 Karen met the love of her life, Peter, which led to a 55-year love affair. After their first date she told her mother "This is the boy I'm going to marry," and indeed they did marry on October 16, 1965.
Karen and Peter settled in Boscawen, NH and began raising their two sons, Peter Charles and Jeffrey Royal (incidentally, born on his mother's birthday).
In 1973, Peter's job with N.H.D.O.T. required a move to Keene, NH, and she willingly packed up and off they went to where they would live for the next 29 years.
In 1977, Karen started working at Granite Bank (originally Keene Savings Bank) as an installment loan secretary. She received multiple promotions over the years and when she retired she held the title of Senior Vice President.
Karen was involved in many bank actives and enjoyed her colleagues immensely. She often said she had the best job in the world.
Karen played an important role in many community activities in Keene, including, sitting on the board of the United Way and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She also enjoyed performing as a clown (going by the name of Benny) for the Keene Lions Club.
On April 30, 2002 Karen joined Peter in retirement and they purchased a house in Wells, Maine. In 2005 they sold that house and purchased a condo in Moody, Maine. This would allow them (without the worry of exterior home maintenance) to pursue one of their passions, traveling.
Karen loved to travel with her husband and together they traveled the world. Her very favorite trips were to Venice, Italy where she and Peter danced in Saint Marks Square; to Baja California, Mexico to observe and pet the gray whales and their babies; and to the central highlands of Mexico to observe the millions of monarch butterflies that migrate and winter there.
Karen was an accomplished seamstress and especially loved to quilt, creating beautiful, personalized quilts for family members and friends. She was also a participant in quilting projects that were donated to charitable and veteran's groups. Karen sewed and donated masks to the Wells police department during the pandemic.
Karen loved solving crossword and sudoku puzzles and never missed an episode of Jeopardy.
Karen was an avid golfer. A happy day during the summer consisted of a round of golf with the girls followed by an iced coffee and long chat. She especially looked forward to Mother's Day each year when she got to spend the day with her sons on the golf course.
Karen was best known for her kind-heartedness, quick smile, and her ability to make instant friends and make people feel comfortable. She cherished her friends. Whether lifelong or new she was always available to lend a helping hand.
Most of all Karen loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She took great joy in nurturing her sons, following their school activities and athletic accomplishments. She was their confidant and no matter what the problem was, would find the right solution. They adored her.
She was a wonderful wife to Peter who called her the best thing that ever happened to him. He adored her.
The first grandchild arrived in 1990 and over the next 10 years eight more followed. Thus, earning their title "the nine best grandchildren ever." They brought much joy to Karen; she cherished the time spent with them. She looked forward to each June when her three granddaughters would visit for a weekend to do something fun and enjoy an ice cream cone before leaving on Sunday night. Whether teaching a granddaughter to sew, or counseling a grandson to save his money, Karen loved each one unconditionally and was adored by all of them. With the recent births of great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Adley another new generation in the family tree has begun. Karen was fortunate enough to love and hold each before her illness. They would have adored her.
Karen was predeceased by her grandparents John and Hazel Larlee and her parents. She is survived by her husband Peter; son Peter and wife Michelle, son Jeffrey and wife Cynthia; grandchildren Kelsie Stuart and husband Collin, Kendall, Courtney, Ty, Gage, Peter and fiancé Emma, Hayden, Cole and Steven; great-grandchildren Lincoln Stuart and Adley Benson; sister Sandra Brodeur and husband Ed; and several nieces and nephews.
Honoring Karen's wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a donation in Karen's name to your local Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.
Information from the Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street Kennebunk ME
She was 74.
She was born in Concord, NH on December 13, 1946 to Charles Paire and Lillian (Larlee) and was raised in Penacook, NH.
During her youth Karen was an active member of the Girl Scouts and in later years regularly hosted reunion weekends at her home.
Karen graduated from Penacook high school where she participated in varsity sports and numerous school activities.
In 1965 Karen met the love of her life, Peter, which led to a 55-year love affair. After their first date she told her mother "This is the boy I'm going to marry," and indeed they did marry on October 16, 1965.
Karen and Peter settled in Boscawen, NH and began raising their two sons, Peter Charles and Jeffrey Royal (incidentally, born on his mother's birthday).
In 1973, Peter's job with N.H.D.O.T. required a move to Keene, NH, and she willingly packed up and off they went to where they would live for the next 29 years.
In 1977, Karen started working at Granite Bank (originally Keene Savings Bank) as an installment loan secretary. She received multiple promotions over the years and when she retired she held the title of Senior Vice President.
Karen was involved in many bank actives and enjoyed her colleagues immensely. She often said she had the best job in the world.
Karen played an important role in many community activities in Keene, including, sitting on the board of the United Way and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She also enjoyed performing as a clown (going by the name of Benny) for the Keene Lions Club.
On April 30, 2002 Karen joined Peter in retirement and they purchased a house in Wells, Maine. In 2005 they sold that house and purchased a condo in Moody, Maine. This would allow them (without the worry of exterior home maintenance) to pursue one of their passions, traveling.
Karen loved to travel with her husband and together they traveled the world. Her very favorite trips were to Venice, Italy where she and Peter danced in Saint Marks Square; to Baja California, Mexico to observe and pet the gray whales and their babies; and to the central highlands of Mexico to observe the millions of monarch butterflies that migrate and winter there.
Karen was an accomplished seamstress and especially loved to quilt, creating beautiful, personalized quilts for family members and friends. She was also a participant in quilting projects that were donated to charitable and veteran's groups. Karen sewed and donated masks to the Wells police department during the pandemic.
Karen loved solving crossword and sudoku puzzles and never missed an episode of Jeopardy.
Karen was an avid golfer. A happy day during the summer consisted of a round of golf with the girls followed by an iced coffee and long chat. She especially looked forward to Mother's Day each year when she got to spend the day with her sons on the golf course.
Karen was best known for her kind-heartedness, quick smile, and her ability to make instant friends and make people feel comfortable. She cherished her friends. Whether lifelong or new she was always available to lend a helping hand.
Most of all Karen loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She took great joy in nurturing her sons, following their school activities and athletic accomplishments. She was their confidant and no matter what the problem was, would find the right solution. They adored her.
She was a wonderful wife to Peter who called her the best thing that ever happened to him. He adored her.
The first grandchild arrived in 1990 and over the next 10 years eight more followed. Thus, earning their title "the nine best grandchildren ever." They brought much joy to Karen; she cherished the time spent with them. She looked forward to each June when her three granddaughters would visit for a weekend to do something fun and enjoy an ice cream cone before leaving on Sunday night. Whether teaching a granddaughter to sew, or counseling a grandson to save his money, Karen loved each one unconditionally and was adored by all of them. With the recent births of great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Adley another new generation in the family tree has begun. Karen was fortunate enough to love and hold each before her illness. They would have adored her.
Karen was predeceased by her grandparents John and Hazel Larlee and her parents. She is survived by her husband Peter; son Peter and wife Michelle, son Jeffrey and wife Cynthia; grandchildren Kelsie Stuart and husband Collin, Kendall, Courtney, Ty, Gage, Peter and fiancé Emma, Hayden, Cole and Steven; great-grandchildren Lincoln Stuart and Adley Benson; sister Sandra Brodeur and husband Ed; and several nieces and nephews.
Honoring Karen's wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers we ask that you consider a donation in Karen's name to your local Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.
Information from the Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street Kennebunk ME
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