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Karen Jean McDonough
1938 - 2023
Karen Jean McDonough
1938 - 2023
Obituary
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BORN
1938
DIED
2023
Karen McDonough Obituary
Karen Jean Holbrook McDonough, 84, of South Portland, Maine, peacefully passed away January 22, 2023, with her family by her side.
She was born to the late William T. and Vera Holbrook, August 10, 1938, in Portland, Maine. Karen graduated from South Portland High School in 1956 and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Gorham State Teachers College in 1961. After graduation, she worked at the New England Telephone Company prior to raising her family.
Karen is survived by her three children: John (Elizabeth) McDonough, of Greenville, South Carolina; Lynn (Ronald) Page, of Pittsboro, North Carolina; and Susan (Ron) Reich, of Benson, North Carolina. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren (Chelsea, Haley, Madeline, Bailey, Jessica, Ryan, Patrick, Blaine, and Emily), her two sisters, Judith (Bob) Kelley, of South Portland, Maine, and Deborah (Joe) Conley, of The Villages, Florida, her former spouse John F. McDonough of Scarborough, Maine, and several loving nieces and nephews.
Karen was known for her quick wit, her sense of humor, and her engaging conversation. She was an avid reader who loved to travel and see new places. Her favorite local venues were Willard Beach, Two Lights, and Bug Light (the birthplace of her father), all located on the southern coast of Maine. A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she enjoyed working with her sisters discovering family genealogy. She was an avid cross-stitcher, and a sports enthusiast who especially loved watching the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.
The funeral will be held on January 27th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 671 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, Maine 04074, followed by a private graveside service at Brooklawn Memorial Park in Portland, Maine. The family asks that people make donations in support of stroke research (American Heart Association, Brain Research Foundation, and the Stroke Foundation have spent decades researching to better understand strokes.) in lieu of sending flowers.
11 Entries
Marilyn Scallon
February 9, 2024
Hi , I met Karen in the 70’s she was one of the most kind and thoughtful people , my husband I move to maine at that time and she was so wonderful
Lynn Page (McDonough)
March 13, 2023
My Mum was a beautiful person and I miss her terribly. Thank you all for your heartfelt remembrances and condolences.
Mary Anderson
January 30, 2023
Heartfelt sympathy to all of Karen's family. Karen was my mother's roommate at Seaside Nursing facility. What a pair! Rest in peace Karen.
Karen Jean Conley
January 27, 2023
In May of 1972 my mom Debbie Holbrook Conley and Joe Conley couldn't decide on a name for their newly born baby girl. For three days I sat in the hospital as "baby girl Conley". Then, my mother called her sister Karen to ask her if it was ok to name the baby after her. "Why would you want to do that?" she asked. "I'm only trouble," she said in a joking way. This is how I became Karen Jean, or Little Karen, when we were together. What an honor it has been to be named after such a witty, courageous and spirited aunt. I hope I carry your name well and continue to be an enthusiastic representative of your legacy.
"And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand"
Be free, my beautiful aunt.
With all of our love,
Your Karen Jean, Bobby and Robert
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Raymond Holbrook
January 26, 2023
Great memories of being with my cousin, Karen, traveling south from So. Portland to Dunedin, FL in 1956. As part of Karen's HS graduation gift, her mom & dad traded cars with my father, Ray O. Holbrook, so that she could travel with family to Florida. Six of us (my mom & dad, my sister Beverly, my dad's Navy pal - Ed Lowell, Karen, and me) loaded into the car for the 3 day trip - we had a great time singing, playing travel games, and cooking family style meals over a sterno stove wherever we stayed each night. Karen was always smiling and full of joy just seeing new sights and being with family & friends that she loved, and who loved her back. That is a memory I can so easily recall, and will always keep close. My prayers are for all of Karen's family and friends - that you may know God's comfort and peace at this time of loss.
Beverly Holbrook Rowe
January 26, 2023
Thinking of memories with my cousin, Karen, of a road trip to Florida with Uncle Tweet, Aunt Rose and a friend of the family Ed Lowell along with kids ; Ray and Beverly. We rode in a convertible from New England to Florida with six people , had laughs and enjoyed being family! I think I was about five or six years old. Sending prayers for all the family for comfort and peace
Beverly Holbrook Rowe
Joan Lawler
January 26, 2023
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
American Association
January 25, 2023
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Paul Jordan
January 25, 2023
Karen and I were classmates at SPHS. I remember her as being a friendly and quiet person with a great smile. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Sandi Hampshire
January 25, 2023
You have your heavenly wings and there is comfort knowing you are the guardian angel for your loving family. My beautiful cousin Karen, May you rest in peace.
Joanne Libro-Martin
January 25, 2023
I remember Karen very well from the class of ‘56 SP high school. She was so beautiful, friendly and a lovely young woman. My deepest sympathy to all of her family and friends. Blessings to all of you at this sad time.
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230 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME 04106
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