Karen (McGinn) Coffey, 61, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, after a valiant fight against pneumonia-induced septic shock. Born in Sterling, Illinois on July 31, 1955, Karen moved to Boston at 22, where she was a bartender at the Marriott Long Wharf until retirement in 2014.

Karen was a ray of sunshine in many people's lives, was a genuine friend, and cared for everyone around her. She made everyone smile with her unmistakable laugh. Karen found bliss in the simple pleasures in life, enjoying nature walks, picking blueberries at her lake house in Maine, playing board games, reading constantly, playing hide-and-seek with her dog Java, and cooking all types of cuisine. “I’m just watching the river flow” is a phrase she would say in her happiest and most serene moments (usually in Maine).

Her Grandson Nolan (now 2 years old) was a particular source of joy for Karen. From very early on, Karen had a gift for making Nolan smile and laugh – often just by walking into the room. Whether it was reading stories, going to the trampoline park, or just giving “Nonna” a hug, their time together was very special.

Karen is survived by her husband of 17 years, Thomas Coffey, her mother Marian McGinn, her sister Cindy McGinn and her husband Jamie, her sister Sharon Frey and her husband Dennis, her brothers Patrick and Larry McGinn, stepson Daniel Coffey and his wife Sarah Coffey, stepson Tyler Coffey and his fiancé Brien Bell, her niece Melissa, her nephew Troy, and her grandsons, Nolan and Jamie Coffey.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, December 19, 2016, from 6-8 pm at Brasco & Son’s Memorial Chapel, 773 Moody St, Waltham, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Karen to Planned Parenthood of Boston. Friends and family are invited to share their favorite memories of Karen during the gathering.