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Marlborough High School University of Rhode Island

FUNERAL HOME

Stanetsky Memorial Chapels - Canton

475 Washington Street

Canton, Massachusetts

Karen Cotton Obituary

COTTON, Karen (Sheehan) Entered her eternal rest on Sunday, October 26, 2008 after an eight year battle with breast cancer at the age of 48. Karen leaves her husband Louis and children Joshua and Sarah of Sharon, her mother Marie Charbeneau Sheehan and the late Paul Sheehan of Marlborough, her brother Kevin and his wife Thelma of Webster. She also leaves her granddaughter Allison Conwell of Natick and nephew Jordan Sheehan of Webster, as well as many cousins and other extended family. Karen graduated from Marlborough High School in 1978 and from the University of Rhode Island in 1983. She had a 25 year career in retailing starting in the Executive Training Program in Filenes, continuing at the Gap, Bonwitt Teller, Bradlees and spending the past seven years with AJ Wright, division of the TJX Corporation where she was a merchandising Vice President. Despite suffering from cancer, Karen refused to be a victim of it and took her battle against this disease to the next level, aiding and assisting other women who did not have the advantages of medical resources and a support team as she did. Karen participated in her first Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in the spring of 2001 and walked every year thereafter, even May of 2008 for 26 miles after undergoing six months of extensive and debilitating treatment. Her first walk was taken with one life-long friend and ended with 20+ walkers on her team "KC and the Sunshine Girlz". Combined, Karen, with the help of her huge network of family and friends, raised over $300,000 for the Avon Foundation, which is committed to winning the fight to cure breast cancer and aid the sufferers of this insidious disease. Karen and the Sunshine Girlz were featured on local news programs and Karen was honored as a leader in the fight against breast cancer and as a top fund raiser at an Ellie Fund Gala dinner in 2007. Funeral services will be held at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton Street, Sharon MA on Tuesday, October 28th at 10AM followed by interment at Rock Ridge Cemetery in Sharon. A Memorial Period will be held through Thursday at Karen's home 2-5PM and 6-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's memory to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Attn: Tara Stepanian, 577 Massachusetts Ave., 2nd flr, Cambridge, MA 02139 in memory of KC and the Sunshine Girlz, would be greatly appreciated. Stanetsky Memorial Chapel 781-821-4600 www.stanetsky.com

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Published by Boston Globe on Oct. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Cotton

17 Entries

Rebecca Fuccillo

November 21, 2008

Dear Marie & Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

With sympathy,
Rebecca Fuccillo & Family
(Your Friends Who Visit the Wayside Inn)

Jackie (Simoneau) Johnson

November 7, 2008

Mrs.Sheehan, Kevin and Karen's family, It has been a long time since I saw Karen, but MaryBeth kept me updated at reunions... I send you all my deepest condolences. I have many memories from high school and URI that I will treasure always. She was a great person and friend. Again, my deepest sympathy.

John Coffey

November 3, 2008

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Bonnie (Scott) Logan

October 31, 2008

Louis, Joshua, Sarah, Mrs. Sheehan and Kevin,
I was saddened by the news of Karen's passing. I will always remember her as a genuine person and someone I was happy to have known. May you all find comfort in your memories of Karen. My thoughts are prayers are with you all.

Blanca Di Giacomo

October 29, 2008

Louis, Joshua, Sarah:

I worked with Karen for years at Bradlees. I remember Karen pregnant with her twins and the joy her babies brought into her life. Please accept my condolances for your loss. Karen was an exceptional woman her spirit and energy will live on thru you.

Mary-Beth McMurray

October 29, 2008

Louis, Joshua and Sarah, I was broken hearted when I learned of Karen's passing. We were friends since we were little girls. The service yesterday shows just how much she was loved and admired. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Love: Mary-Beth, Mark and Ian McMurray

Marty Hinckley

October 29, 2008

Louis,
I was so sad to hear the news about Karen. It seems like so long ago that I worked with her at Bradlees. I haven't seen her since we all left Bradlees eight years ago, but have often wondered how she was doing. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers.

John and Jessica Zimmermann

October 29, 2008

All of us who had the good fortune to know Karen were truly blessed to have her in our lives. Through good times and bad times, Karen was always a ray of sunshine. Karen inspired many of us to look for the silver lining. Even while battling cancer, she made it her mission to find a cure so others would not suffer as she had.

We will miss her, but she will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Roberta Fitzgerald

October 29, 2008

I never had the pleasure of meeting Karen but know through her mom's stories what an inspiration she was. My condolences to the entire family.
Roberta Fitzgerald

Joanne and Nelson Burbank

October 28, 2008

We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Karen's whole family. Great memories from our college days and beyond will be forever treasured.

Meghan Ficco

October 28, 2008

I had the opportunity to work for Karen at TJX, and she was a pleasure to work for and with. My deepest condolences go out to her family at this diffuclt time.

Melanie Peach

October 28, 2008

Louis, Sarah and Josh,
I knew and worked with Karen at Bradlees and ran into her several times over the past few years. She was truly one of the strongest and most determined people I know. My most lasting memory though, is a visual one, of her standing outside her office at Bradlees, nine months pregnant with a smile a mile wide on her face. This is the picture that will stay in my memory forever. The service was beautiful. I am so very sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you.

ananymous

October 28, 2008

Sarah and Josh stay strong. Your mother was a great and very loved person and will never be forgoten. She was a romodle to many and a very big inspiration. I just wanted to say that i was thinking about you and wish all the best. Find a cure.

Susan Sklar (Hannah Ephraim's Aunt)

October 28, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Susan Meyer Wing - MHS Class of 1978

October 28, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Karen was an amazing woman. Her story gave me the strength to keep fighting as well.
Keep walking! We will win this battle!

Barbara Fine

October 28, 2008

You are a leader and your true spirit will live within each one of us. I enjoyed every minute spent with you--walking, talking, and laughing. We will all miss you but to have known you is a lifelong gift we all will cherish forever.

Caroline Titus

October 28, 2008

Louis, Sarah & Joshua, I had the privilege of knowing Karen. Her intelligence, determination and spirit were just some of her greatest attributes. Her inspiration touched those around her and affected others who never knew her but will gain from all that she stood for. She was a remarkable woman and will be greatly missed. My condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Caroline, Andrew & Craig Titus

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results