Karen Kimball Wellinghurst

Karen Kimball Wellinghurst, 88, passed away peacefully in her home on August 9, 2023, in Chocorua, NH. She was born on August 11, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts.  Karen was a loving, warm, and generous person who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Karen graduated high school at St. Joseph’s in Missouri, and later furthered her education at Boston University, she began her career as an Airline Stewardess for TWA, where she met her husband Jack, before dedicating herself to raising her children and traveling all over the world as an Air Force wife.  Karen and her boys would spend summers at the lake in Chocorua in the family home, while her husband was still serving in the military until he later retired, then they settled in Chocorua full time. 

She was a classy lady with a strong will and a love for animals, she was particularly fond of her favorite breed, Doberman Pinchers, which she both owned and rescued many throughout her life.  Her other passion was her prized horses.  Karen found great joy in showing horses ever since she was a little girl in Hanover, MA and excelled in the elegant art of Dressage.  She also enjoyed riding her horses on the many trails out around her house and around Chocorua Lake.  Karen volunteered for many years at the Attitash Equine Festival in Bartlett, NH, in addition to Chinook Dog Kennels in Wonalancet.  She was also a past member of the Doberman Rescue in Milton, NH.  She was also involved with the Gray Eagles along with her husband, Major Jack M. Wellinghurst, a club formed of former airmen from World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Some of Karen’s favorite things include Old Westerns, Dogs and Horses, anything Antique, Feeding and watching the birds, going to the fair to see the animals, cooking, southwestern clothes and jewelry.

She especially loved visits from Jake and the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She never got over the loss of her son Jim and then her husband Jack so soon after.  After those losses she became more reclusive.  She was happy to just be in her home surrounded by the things she loved.  She pretty much lived in the past and always had stories about her growing up years.  Sadly, all of her friends that she enjoyed weekly luncheons with, with the exception of Caroline had all passed before her.

Karen cherished her personal and family relationships. Karen is survived by her beloved son, Jack (Jake) M. Wellinghurst II, and her daughter-in-law, Linda A. Burns of Kearsarge, NH.  She was the proud grandmother of her grandson, Isaak Wellinghurst and his fiancée, Aysia Morency, as well as her great-granddaughter, Emmalena Cairn Rose Wellinghurst of Madison, NH. Additionally, Karen is the proud grandmother of her grandson, Orion Wellinghurst, his significant other, Cynthia Lawrence, and her great-grandson, Cedric James Wellinghurst of Rochester, MA.  She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Kathy Jo Shackford.  She also leaves behind her friend Joanna Noyes who checked in on her regularly, did errands, brought her to appointments, kept her home clean and engaged in many conversations.  Last but certainly not least, her most favorite companion, her dog Minnie Pearl who will now live with Isaak per Karen’s request.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Major Jack M. Wellinghurst, her son, James A. Wellinghurst, her stepbrother, Rip Brady, and her mother, Edwina Kimball Brady.  Their memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved them.

A ceremony to honor Karen's life will be held at the Chocorua Cemetery in Tamworth, New Hampshire at 2 PM on Thursday, August 17, 2023, for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Conway Area Humane Society, a cause that was dear to Karen's heart, supporting this organization would honor her kind and compassionate spirit.

Karen Kimball Wellinghurst will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her warm personality, generosity, and love for animals will be remembered and cherished forever.

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