Karen Marie Henderson

Karen Marie Henderson, 58, of Effingham, formerly of Melrose, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2025. She was born on May 28, 1967, the youngest of six children born to Dorsey L. Henderson and Phyllis G. (Martin) Henderson.

Karen was pure-hearted, beautiful, stubborn, endlessly generous, deeply loving, and genuinely funny with her “Karenisms”. She had a special talent for knowing exactly the right thing to say when she wanted to make someone mad—and she enjoyed that talent more than she probably admitted.

A proud shopaholic, Karen believed one could never have too many shoes, coats, or pieces of jewelry. Giving was one of her love languages, whether through carefully chosen gifts or much-appreciated hand-me-downs. The QVC telephone operators likely knew her by voice.

Karen was a devoted horror movie connoisseur, equally at home being frightened by a good scare as she was being comforted by heartwarming books about animals. She never met an animal she didn’t like. Over the years, her life included a memorable menagerie—mice, an iguana, birds, a fire bellied frog, and even a tarantula—but her dogs were the true loves of her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved Benji, Snoopy, and Buttons, and is survived and sorely missed by her faithful companion, Molly.

Karen was predeceased by her parents, Dorsey and Phyllis Henderson; her sister, Jo-Ann Bishop; and her sister, Lois Connor. She is survived by her sister Diana Tonnessen and her husband David; her brother Walter Henderson and his wife Joan; her sister Dot Jenkins and her husband Brett; her nieces Laurel, Kimi, Nicole, Kristin, Shannon, and Samantha; her nephews Paul, Zach, and DJ; and many cherished grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Karen’s presence was unmistakable, her love sincere, and her absence deeply felt. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her fierce loyalty, and the many lives—human and animal alike—that were better for having been loved by her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Karen's gofundme page.  

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