Karen M. Keary

Karen M. (Johnson) Keary, 75, of Hooksett, died October 30, 2021 at Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord after a brief period of declining health. She was born in Groton, Connecticut. on Aug. 20, 1946 to Lloyd and Jerdis (Swanson) Johnson. She is survived by her brother Thomas (Helen) Johnson, who lives in Florida. Karen was a registered nurse, having worked at Nashua Memorial Hospital and with the Visiting Nurse Association in Manchester. She met her husband of 48 years, Gregg, while in nursing school via mutual friends. He passed away in 2016. The couple had two sons, Jonathan (Lianne) Keary of Penacook, and Kristian (Korie) Keary, of Rochester Hills, Michigan. They also had four grandchildren: Simon, Abigail, Benjamin and Mara. As a family, the Kearys loved skiing and Karen was a gracious entertainer, throwing parties and hosting holidays where everyone enjoyed her beautiful chocolates. A talented knitter, her warm hats and mittens were lovingly gifted to family and friends over the years. When Karen and Gregg were first married, she traveled around the world to visit him while he was on leave from the Vietnam War, stopping in India, Singapore and other far-flung locales. The Kearys lived along the U.S. east coast and abroad in Great Britain while Gregg served in the U.S. Coast Guard, and then they settled in New Hampshire after retirement, and the friends they made followed them throughout their life. Karen also cherished her close-knit group of nursing school friends. She is survived by her sons, her brother, her grandchildren, several beloved nieces and nephews and Gregg's siblings. Her easy laugh, her love of family and her generous heart will be deeply missed. SERVICES: Calling hours are Thursday, Nov. 11 from 3-5 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. A cemetery committal service is Friday, Nov. 12 at 12:30 p.m. at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Granite VNA Hospice House, 240 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301.