Karen R. Kenny

Karen R. Kenny, age 77, of South Hadley, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025 at Cooley Dickenson Hospital, surrounded by family.  Born in Woonsocket, R.I., to the late Ruth (Newell) and T. Ray Weaver, Karen spent her childhood in Needham, MA.  From a musical family, she graduated from the University of Michigan with a music degree.  While there she married Timothy Kenny, after which they moved to Eugene, OR.  

Karen was a classically trained French horn player who went on to earn her masters degree in music, and played in many symphonies and woodwind quartets.  She shared her musical talent by playing in handbell and singing choirs, as well as teaching music.

After relocating to Washington, DC, Karen was inspired by her third child Michael, born with Down Syndrome, to research, study and work in the developing field of assistive technology in special education.  She quickly became an expert in this field and was a recognized leader in the area.

In 1997, she returned to western Massachusetts and obtained a position with Hampshire Educational Collaborative as Project Director, directing programs in special education and assistive technology until she retired to South Hadley.  

Inspired by her love for her son Michael, she envisioned his adulthood built around the person not the system. At the time, this approach was not common, and she was a pioneer in making that vision a reality. Her determination ensured countless others have been able to benefit from the person centered model she helped bring to life. 

Karen’s favorite place was the Connecticut shoreline town, Westbrook, where she had a family cottage.  Karen enjoyed many summer days on the beach with her family, and at night playing games and making music. She created many joyful occasions both there and anywhere she lived. 

She is survived by her daughter Maureen and husband Rick Mimiaga of Portland, Oregon, daughter Deirdre and husband Mike Jekanowski of Hadley, and son Michael Kenny of Hadley.  She leaves grandchildren Sullivan Mimiaga of Portland, and Dakota Gill and Chloe and Andrew Jekanowski of Hadley.  She is survived by her sister Lynn Masson and husband Bill of South Hadley, brothers Ron and wife Bobbi Weaver of Greenfield and Ken and wife Donna Weaver of Florida, and sister Cyndy Weaver of Torrington, CT.  She also leaves many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at LoomisVillage for their exceptional care. The funeral will be Sunday August 31st at the O’Brien Family Funeral home starting with a calling hour from 1:00 to 2:00pm followed by a funeral home service at 2:00pm. Burial will follow the service in the Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.