Obituary of Karen R. Hannon

Karen Ruth Hannon, of Billerica, formerly of Burlington, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the age of 68 after a year-long illness.

Born in Boston to Arthur and Ruth Zwicker, Karen enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Burlington and graduated with the Burlington High School Class of 1974. After high school, her adventurous spirit led her to California, where she briefly lived. However, when things didn’t work out, Karen hitchhiked back to Massachusetts, a testament to her resilience and independent nature.

It was in Billerica at the Heathbrook Club that Karen met her future husband, Stephen Hannon. They married in 1980 and eventually settled in Billerica in 1985, after living in Stoneham for five years. Karen started an in-home childcare business, which she operated with love and dedication for nearly five decades. She believed deeply in the importance of working with children, finding it to be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Her patience, creativity, and nurturing spirit formed lasting bonds with the children she cared for and their families. The children adored her, and she brought joy, patience, and a sense of calm to their lives.

In addition to her childcare work, Karen was a creative soul with a tireless work ethic. She ran Strawberry Snowman Crafts for many years, making everything from hand-crafted ornaments and doll furniture to braided head dolls and personalized signs. Karen had a knack for sewing, crocheting, and laser engraving. She participated in nearly every craft show in the area, delighting customers with her unique creations and always welcoming special requests.

Karen and Steve were also avid campers. Starting with a tent, they gradually upgraded to a pop-up trailer traveling across the East Coast and up to Canada on family vacations. Karen was the planner, cook, and fun coordinator of these memorable trips. One of her favorite spots was Len Kay Campground in Barrington, NH, where the family camped regularly. Whether dealing with a flooded campground or a rainy day, Karen always knew how to turn the situation around, once turning a rainstorm into an hours-long puddle fishing adventure for the kids. These family vacations created cherished memories, and her children now carry on the tradition, inviting Karen to join them on their own camping trips.

Karen’s selflessness was one of her most defining qualities. She always put others first, offering kindness, support, and a listening ear. She didn’t seek material wealth but found happiness in the simple joys of life: seeing her family together, making others smile, and sharing her love and creativity. Karen’s famous themed cakes were so beloved that people continued to request them for every occasion. Known for her generosity, Karen often made handmade Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren.

Above all, Karen will be remembered for her unwavering love and kindness. She was a constant source of support, and her life was a testament to the power of family, generosity, and grace. Whether as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, or friend, Karen’s presence was a gift to all who knew her. She was unpretentious, thoughtful, and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless memories that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Karen was the beloved wife of the late Stephen Hannon.  She was the loving mother of Sandra Robson & her husband Scott of Billerica, Angie Daigle & her husband Derek of Billerica, John Hannon & Samantha Dalrymple of Billerica, and Scott Hannon of San Francisco, CA.  She was the loving “Grammy” and “Granny” to Ashley Robson and Scott Kefaleas, Collin Robson, Christian Robson and Adriana MacPherson, Alyssa Robson, Hunter Daigle, Cassidy Daigle, Emmett Daigle, Thomas Sullivan, Isabella Sullivan, and late Scott Robson, Jr.  She was the great grandmother of Oaklynn Kefaleas and Colton Kefaleas.  Karen was the sister of Betty Nielsen of Norton, Lorraine McCarty of Stoneham & her late husband William McCarty, Eileen Ghio & her husband Stephen of Princeton, and brother, Arthur Zwicker of Burlington.  Karen is also survived by many nieces, nephews, daycare kids, family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Friday, November 29 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Saturday, November 30 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.  Memorials in Karen’s name may be made to the Special Olympics Massachusetts, www.specialolympicsma.org, 512 Forest St, Marlborough, MA 01752.  For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net