Karen M. Bartlett

Karen M. (Welch) Bartlett, 58, of Dunbarton, passed away at Boston Medical Center on January 24, 2021.

She was gifted with a beautiful soul that empowered her with the remarkable ability to uplift her family and care selflessly for others.Her devotion to smiling her way through life lasted miraculously until the day of her passing on the 34th anniversary of the day that she became a mother. She loved motherhood and lived for her children. Her sacrifice will always be remembered and appreciated, not just in the storytelling of the past but in the many forthcoming stories of hope, happiness, and fortune she's created for those she's touched.

She was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on March 10, 1962, the daughter of the late Donald Welch, Sr. and Helen "Nancy" (Pierce) Welch. Her career was one of passion for special needs children. She worked for the Manchester School District for fourteen years as a para-professional at Manchester's Smyth Rd. Elementary School special needs pre-school program, retiring in 2019 to spend her final days with her family enjoying every moment and giving all she could give of herself. In her earlier days, she held various administrative assistant positions and was an aerobics instructor at St. Anselm College. She also volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher at First Congregational Church in Manchester.

She was most passionate about spending time with her family. Hobbies included painting (as her father did), being groovy (like her mother was), regular exercises in meditation and yoga, finding beauty in flowers, solving every puzzle, pulling pranks, wearing her comfy cozies, trying new recipes, having a witty sense of humor, watching crime dramas, chillin' at the lake in Maine, catching the sun at the beach and freeing her spirit in the ocean.

Family members include her loving and devoted husband of 37 years, Douglas Bartlett; three sons, Bryan Bartlett of Dunbarton, Corey Bartlett and Derrick Bartlett, both of Newbury; a daughter, Keara Bartlett of Hooksett; three brothers, Donald Welch, Jr. of Norfolk, VA, Thomas Welch of Meredith, and Shawn Welch of New Durham; a sister, Debbie Welch of Epsom; Mother-in-law Ruby Bartlett of Concord and many nephews, nieces, and cousins and unruly pets.

A memorial gathering will take place at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Avenue, Manchester on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 1 to 4 PM, followed by a memorial service at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen's memory by supporting the Smyth road pre-school children with special needs: www.gofundme.com/f/karen-cares-4-kids

The family acknowledges and respects the current restrictions and regulations due to the pandemic. In accordance, those in attendance are required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

To send condolences to the family, view photos, or find more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.