Karen Lee Lucier

Karen Lee Lucier (56) Keene, NH was born in Brattleboro Memorial Hospital on November 28, 1955 daughter to Donald M. & Kathryn T. Lucier, the first grandchild born to Harry & Alice Lucier, Sr of Brattleboro, VT.
Karen took ill at the age of 6 with meningitis. From that diagnosis she spent months in a coma, came out of it with the ability to only move her eyes. Intensive rehab brought her back from that, but she started seizing, (Seizure disorder) having numerous grand mal seizures a day, which reared her paralyzed on her left side, unable to speak, walk. The seizures slowly and continually kept taking from her.
She attended Crotchet Mountain Rehab until they deemed they could no longer help her. She lived at Laconia State School for numerous years. When the State closed the hospital she went into group homes. It was when Monadnock Developmental Services took over her care more than a decade ago, that her quality of life improved drastically making it possible for her to live independently with their assistance. The staff at Monadnock Development Services and New Hopes/New Horizons became an extended family for Karen. Staff went out of their way to bring happiness and normalcy to her difficult everyday life. Karen also was family to Michelle Sears and her two children Katherine, & Gabe whom she lived with for over a decade of her life.
Her death was unexpected, having been admitted to the emergency room for other reasons, it was determined she had advanced ovarian cancer. She was immediately put on hospice and died a few days later, Thursday evening, May 24th at Kingsbury Cancer Center, surrounded with the love from her three families, the very love that poured out of her soul.
In spite of the daily challenges that plagued her life, Karen brought joy and touched the hearts of many. Karen loved the color of purple, horses, and had a very contagious laugh. She found humor in mishaps like someone tripping over her wheel chair, or the like. Through all she had endured in her life, she still had a wonderful sense of humor and a heart of gold that endeared others to her. She loved to do arts & crafts, go shopping, and could give a bear hug that would leave you breathless. Her life, while difficult, was living proof of how strong and determined the human spirit can be, and that it is possible to find happiness and laughter in spite of daily challenges. Karen was loved by so many people. There is no question in our minds where she is now. We like to believe she is running and talking again, free of the seizures and physical barriers that she lived with on a daily basis. Karen's life and story is testament that while not the norm, life is beautiful, and life through the eyes of children or handicapped is even more beautiful.
She is survived by her parents, Kathryn T Lucier of W. Brattleboro, Donald M Lucier of Willsboro, Ny, two sisters Karla Young of Lexington, NC, Donna Scully of Vernon, VT, and one brother Douglas Lucier of Spofford, NH. She was preceased by her youngest sister, Darlene Marie Lucier in 2003.
In lieu of flowers we would like to ask that you please make donations to: Monadnock Developmental Services, 121 Railroad Street, Keene, NH 03431 in Karen's memory.
A service will be held at a later date, still to be determined.