Karyn Walsh

Karyn Marie (Chaplin) Walsh, 68, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at her home in Pembroke. Karyn was born on January 23, 1958, to Doris (Woodward) Chaplin and Daniel Chaplin of Hanover, where she was raised. She attended Hanover High School where she graduated Class of 1976. Karyn went back to college later in life where she studied graphic design and graduated cum laude in 2003 from UMass Dartmouth. Where after she did visual design for 14 years at Kohls, as well as having a small business of her own doing calligraphy for many years. Creating art in different forms was something that came natural to her which she fully embraced. She loved to be outdoors when the weather was nice. Whether it was enjoying the sun and sea on the beautiful boat her and her husband owned, where they enjoyed fishing, cruising to different islands along the coast for vacation and entertaining friends and family, or creating a garden filled with flowers and growing fresh vegetables to cook with. Karyn was a foodie and an exceptionally good cook who could take any recipe and make it deliciously her own, which she really delighted in sharing with others.

Karyn and her husband Dave met in the late 80's and they had an instant connection and love that spanned decades. They traveled together many times over the years and loved to explore and experience new adventures together. Boating was their favorite way to travel and make new friends. Their relationship was quirky in the best ways, yet also soft and endearing.

Some of her other favorite things included going to art shows and galleries, music to dance and sing to (she was the life of the party), shopping for just about anything, playing card games and darts, animals of all kinds and most importantly her family and close friends. Karyn took great pride in hosting gatherings, from holidays, birthdays, graduations and everything in between. She loved making people smile and laugh that created memories to last a lifetime. Karyn never hesitated to open her heart and home to help others where and when she could. Her giving nature shined through in her smile, her hugs, and light she shared so willingly with others. The love she had for her children was immense beyond words! She supported them through any and all life's endeavors. Always encouraging them to try anything and always being there to root them on at any sport or extra circular they chose to pursue. From pageants, karate, gymnastics, dance, instruments and many more, she was the mom who was always there. When Karyn became a grandmother, she didn't want the typical title, so she became Gam, and she was so thrilled to have that role.

Karyn is survived by her children David Sanborn and his wife Amy of Somerset, Juley Sanborn and her fiancée Alicia Tasney of Abington, Ashley Sanborn of Pembroke, sister Deborah and brother-in-law Frank Macinnis of Rockland, brother Steven Chaplin of Hanson, sister-in-law Ann Ressing of Washington D.C., her grandchildren Logan, Lucas, Kyra and their mother Desiree Brier. Nieces Anna, Courtney, Cheyenne, Jaqueline, Jenna and nephews Johnny and Robbie.

She is preceded by her brother Mark Chaplin of Hanover in 1971, sister Valerie Dobbins of Plympton in 2010, the father of her children Gary Sanborn in 2019, and her beloved husband of 30 years, David Walsh in 2018.

Visitation with Karyn's family will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street, Rte. 53, Hanover, MA. In honor of Karyn's bright personality, we ask that you wear floral and vivid colors to visit with her family for her celebration of life.