Obituary of Karen Meek

Karen A. Meek, a loving and caring woman who touched many lives, passed away at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading on Saturday evening, July 4, 2009. She was 47 years old. Karen was born and raised in Burlington. She was a contract worker for the Kelliher Center in Arlington for over 25 years. For 18 of those years she worked at the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston as an assembler. Karen led a full and active life. She loved to help people and was always concerned for others. She volunteered at Nursing Homes, Food Banks, Meals on Wheels and Churches. She was a Special Olympian who participated in track and field events and was the recipient of many medals. She was a member of a bowling league through the Arlington Boys and Girls Club. She bowled weekly and had just attended their annual banquet in May. She participated in other social activities through the Arlington Association for special citizens. She enjoyed square dancing with her friends from CMARC in Woburn. Karen loved her nieces and nephews and always looked forward to visiting with them. Karen will be remembered as a special angel who was deeply loved by her parents, her brothers & their families and her many friends. Karen was the beloved daughter of Robert F. & Anne (Callahan) Meek of Burlington. She was the loving sister of Kevin Meek & his wife Dianne of Bridgewater and Kyle Meek & his wife Melissa of Acton. She was the devoted aunt of Evan, Kelsey, Tyler & Brendan Meek and Matt Jensen. She was the soul mate of the late Bobby Campana. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Thursday, July 9 at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, BURLINGTON. In lieu of flowers memorials in Karen’s name may be made to the Kelliher Center, 41 Foster St., Arlington, MA 02474. Family Remembrance by Kyle Meek I’m often asked by my friends and co-workers what it was like growing up with and having a Sister with Special Needs. How difficult it must have been for me and family to watch Karen go through the challenges of her handicap. Through the years, my answer was always that I did not know any different, because Karen was Karen. She was my Sister, and I did not have a choice. I would explain there were times that were more difficult than others, but wasn’t that true for every family. As I matured over the years, I began to look at things a little differently. I came to understand just how fortunate we were to have had a Sister like Karen. Instead of focusing on the difficulties and challenges of her handicap, I focused more on the lessons we learned from her experiences. Whether it was the simple pleasures of introducing herself to a stranger in an elevator, the pure pride and joy we felt watching her compete at the Special Olympics, or the true love she shared with her soul mate Bobby, she taught all of us something along the way. Embrace each day with love and caring for those around you. Don’t focus on the challenges, but rather the joy from the experience. My Mom and Dad have often talked about Karen leaving a footprint, and I believe that this is her defining legacy. She has challenged me to be a better person every day, and to care about those around me first, and myself second. My Mom & Dad have also talked about Karen being our Special Angel. I believe that she is in Heaven, and that she will continue to be our Special Angel, and watch over all of us. I will certainly miss her, but I will do my best to live my life like she lived hers. I will honor my Sister Karen and her life, and I will live each day with love and joy in my heart. We will miss you Karen, and we will always love you.