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BORN
1951
DIED
2024
Karen Philbrick Obituary
Bradford, VT - On the evening of Monday, December 9, Karen Makocy Philbrick, 73, of Bradford VT, died peacefully at home after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She crossed into eternity while held in the arms of her best friend of 44 years, and husband of 34 years, Scott Philbrick.
Karen moved to NH in 1977 from her birth state of NJ, and the Granite State has been her "heart home" ever since. She was a long-time resident of Hillsboro and Henniker.
With a brilliant mind and immense compassion, Karen spent nearly four decades working passionately for NH Legal Services, a paralegal fiercely devoted to helping NH's impoverished community, specializing in housing law. A framed passage in her office summarized that which she devoted her life to fulfilling: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9." Her great passion was helping others, but most of all she loved her home, family, and holiday gatherings. Her Faith in Christ always remained strong and steadfast.
The first of three children born to Steven and Marguerite (Cooke) Makocy, Karen was born at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ on March 9, 1951. She graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1969, and subsequently attended William Paterson College in NJ.
She is survived by her loving husband Scott and beloved son Samuel, her sister Meg Inderbitzen (husband Dan and nephews Sean and Scott), her father's second wife Ingrid Makocy, and their two daughters Cristiana Makocy Wall (husband Bryan) and Marlis Makocy Lovelace (husband Cameron and nephews Riley and Aidan), and a large extended family.
She is predeceased by her aforementioned parents, her brother Steven Makocy Jr., and a cherished son, Jamie. A celebration of her life is planned for summer 2025, details to be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness, PO Box 3933, Concord, NH 03302-3933, or www.concordhomeless.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Philbrick
Martha
March 1, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Karens passing. I remember her kindness and love of her family.
Brad
February 20, 2025
One of ConVal´s bright lights who really cared about the kids. Kind, soft spoken and I know Karen will be missed greatly.
Nancy Heussler
January 21, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. I´m so grateful The Lord allowed her a peaceful arrival at The Pearly Gates. I´m so grateful for the privilege of helping her and deepening our relationship. Scott,You exemplified love in action and it was an honor to see.
Mary Stewart
January 14, 2025
I worked with Karen for a period of time at LARC many years ago. I remember her for her incredible knowledge, unparalleled passion and ceaseless patience explaining it all over and over. Karen was a beautiful soul who impacted countless number of lives of those in most need. A legacy to be proud of. My sincere condolences to all of her family.
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Brenda (Deaver) Harlacher
January 9, 2025
Memories go way back to carpooling and working together at NHLA when Karen lived in Hillsboro..and then house-sitting/dog-sitting for Karen and Scott while they were on their honeymoon. Some day a reunion...I look forward to that!! love, Brenda
Ben Mortell
January 6, 2025
Word of Karen's death was passed on to me by another NHLA alum. Remember meeting Karen for the first time in the early 1980's in the NHLA Concord office. Her passion for her work to help others lead her to become a talented public benefits paralegal who helped countless folks survive the madness of our public benefit programs. Karen was an important part of the team that Steve McGilvary mentioned in his acceptance of the 2024 Dennison Ray Award for although she was no longer working her hard and dedicated work kept that program alive during the lean years. Karen will always be remembered by me as someone who wore her passion on her sleeve and always tried her best to help others.
Judith Englander
January 5, 2025
Karen and I were close neighbors in Henniker. In fact, I passed by the Philbricks' home almost every day either on foot or on two wheels. Invariably we had a brief...often lengthy... chat. Also, we served together valiantly on the Planning Board for a few years. I admired and loved Karen for her intelligence, kindness, compassion, and her great sense of humor. Although we moved from Henniker 8 years ago, John and I will never forget Karen, Scott and Samuel.
Debi Ellis-Nailor
January 4, 2025
My "down the road" friend who would invite me to swing on the amazing swing Scott built and have pistachio ice cream.... You were amazingly brave at nearing the end of this journey - still witnessing and sharing the promises of God. I will miss our chats and cherish our memories.
Sharon and Marc tieger
January 4, 2025
A cherished and loved sister-in-law, Karen will always hold a special place in my heart. The love she and Scott shared together and as a family of three with Samuel,was as special as it gets. Family was everything to Karen, including friends who were also extended family, and she went out of her way to show that. Marc and I will miss her.
Bob Dukette and Laurie Riendeau
January 4, 2025
Our sincerest condolences Scott, Samuel, and the entire family. Although I didn't know Karen well, she was always spoken highly of. May she rest in peace and remembered for all the love she had for everyone, and for all she did for others.
Meg Makocy Inderbitzen
January 4, 2025
In loving memory of a dear sister and a wonderful aunt. We will love you and miss you always.
Meg Makocy Inderbitzen
January 4, 2025
In loving memory of my dear sister, Karen. You will always be remembered and close to my heart. I love you.
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