Barbara M. Karanasios

Barbara Karanasios, a cherished resident of Bedford, New Hampshire for 57 years, passed away on August 30, 2024, surrounded by her deeply devoted family. She was the beloved wife of John Thomas Karanasios, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage filled with laughter and love.

Born and raised in Manchester, NH, Barbara was the daughter of the late William and Mary Robinson and the sister to both the late Kenneth Robinson and survived by William Robinson. She graduated from Saint Joseph High School in Manchester, NH, and later from Sacred Heart School of Nursing. Barbara also earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from New England College.

Her career in service to others spanned many roles: she was a supervising nurse at the Elliot Hospital for many years, a school nurse at McKelvie Middle School in Bedford, and finally a social worker for New Hampshire’s Child Protective Services, where she worked tirelessly to protect neglected and abused children.

Barbara lived her life with a deep commitment to her family, friends, and community. She will be remembered for her laughter, her sweet smile that could light up a room, and her unwavering dedication to the values of love, kindness, and respect for all people. She was a woman of great strength, holding firmly to her beliefs.

Cooking was her art form, and every holiday and birthday was celebrated with a feast and a special attention to everyone’s favorite dishes. She found joy in the simple things in life—pointing out a beautiful moon or sunset, spending countless hours with her husband appreciating the beauty of the Connecticut River from the porch of the log cabin they built together in Northern Vermont. She loved animals, walking barefoot in the grass, reading novels, gardening, and laughing at the funny stories her family would share.

Above all, nothing brought Barbara more joy than raising her three children and doting on her seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children: Thomas Karanasios and his wife Allison Walker Karanasios of Manchester, NH; Timothy Karanasios and his wife Angie Karanasios of Manchester, NH; and Tanya Karanasios and her husband Philippe Bolopion of Chappaqua, NY. Her treasured grandchildren: Brendan Karanasios of Henderson, Nevada; James Karanasios of Tewksbury, MA; Morgan Karanasios of Amherst, NH; Tyler Karanasios of Manchester, NH; John Karanasios of Manchester, NH; Pia Bolopion of Chappaqua, NY; and Mani Bolopion of Chappaqua, NY. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Jaelynn Grace Karanasios, Evelynn Brooke Karanasios, and Wells Timothy Karanasios. Finally, Steve Vizakis, her dear brother in law who is 101.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, September 6th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Phaneuf Funeral Homes, 243 Hanover St. Manchester, NH 03104. A private ceremony and burial will take place afterwards for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Jimmy Fund.