Karen M. Handy

LEOMINSTER- Karen M. Handy, 49, of Leominster, died December 27, 2021, at the UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester, after battling systemic scleroderma for over 10 years. While an extremely painful and crippling disease, it never destroyed her optimistic spirit or her will to fight. Profoundly spiritual, Karen’s faith in God comforted her to the very end. Karen was born in Pittsfield, on July 17, 1972, a daughter of Barbara A. (Cozzolino) Handy and the late John N. Handy and graduated from Lunenburg High School in 1990 and Quinsigamond Community College in 1993. Karen’s passing has left an absence in our hearts that cannot be filled in this lifetime. She leaves her daughter, Emily M. Handy of Leominster; a brother, Christopher J. Handy and his spouse Maria of Lunenburg; a sister, Heather L. Handy and her spouse, Harley Stroh of Carbondale, CO; nieces and nephews Rebecca, Nathan, and Jessica Handy of Lunenburg, Stella and Jacob Stroh of Carbondale, her life partner William Comeau of Leominster, her step daughter Ella; aunts and uncles including Connie Rabideau of Northborough, Mark and Marie Matthews and John Bianco all of Pittsfield, Richard Peach of Cotuit, great-aunt Anne Gardina of Ghent, NY, and many cousins from all over the country, who were as close as sisters and brothers. She is predeceased by her grandparents, Evelyn and John Handy and Michael and Carmella Cozzolino all of Pittsfield as well as aunts and uncles, Richard Rabideau, Bernie & Gloria Powers, Patricia Bianco all of Pittsfield, Joan & Bert Cheevers of Westfield and Jean Peach of Springfield. As a child and young adult, she was a figure skater known for her spins and for excelling at precision skating. Karen’s team went on to compete in Nationals in Alaska. Prior to her illness, she had a twenty-year career as a Radiology Technician and Mammographer for the Fallon Clinic and Nashoba Valley Medical Center. Later she became a Reiki practitioner and dedicated her life to easing the suffering of others. Throughout her life Karen was an inviting person who always made you feel at home. She enjoyed dancing and having fun with friends, family and whomever she was around. She took pride in her love for zodiac, reading others’ horoscopes, crystals, and all things spiritual. She will be remembered fondly – and dearly missed – for her friendly personality, heartfelt wisdom, and inspirational conversations. A Funeral Mass will be held on January 15th, 11:00AM at St. Cecilia’s church in Leominster. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. For further information or to leave an online condolence please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Scleroderma Research Foundation. For more information or to donate please visit srfcure.org

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Karen M. Handy

July 17, 1972 - December 27, 2021