Karen V. Bean

Karen Velma Bean, 77, of 1495 Pearl Hill Rd, Fitchburg, MA, passed away on November 11, 2024 after covid related respiratory illness.

Karen was born on November 13, 1946 to Herbert and Velma Innerasky in Fitchburg, MA. After Karen graduated from Oakmont Regional High School in 1964, she went on to study for an associate degree in Human Services at Mt. Wachusett Community College.

After her graduation, she was hired by the Montachusett Opportunity Council (MOC) as a manger of their Elderly Nutrition Program. It was here she met the love her life, Jeff Bean, who was the Director of the Fuel Assistance Program.

Jeff and Karen went on to marry and move into their sprawling farm home in Fitchburg, where they raised their 8 children along with a menagerie of farm animals. Their home became a safe place for many people in need of love and support. In the 26 years of being foster parents, they welcomed and cared for over 1,800 children and to this day Karen was still active in many of their lives until the day of her passing. In addition to foster care, she provided childcare for many children in the neighborhood providing unconditional love and support to all.

For Karen’s dedication and commitment to the causes she believed in, she was honored with many awards including the Massachusetts Foster Parent of the Year, the LUK, Inc Founders Award, the Rowell Foster Children Positive Plan Award and high accolades from Mount Ida College for her work with children.

Her hobbies included gardening, raising sheep, and room rearrangement on a weekly basis (sometimes daily) basis. Not to be forgotten is Karen’s love for the sea, which began as a child in Dennis, MA and continued as an adult in Maine and Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia, the “Nestle Inn” as she called it became her summer retreat for 20 years finding solace and peace, and where she was joined by friends and families near and far. 

She had a special love for greyhounds and co-founded The Safe Haven Kennel at the farm house rescuing dogs from race tracks and then finding homes for well over 100 dogs.

Above and beyond all of this, she was most proud of her family. She leaves behind her loving husband of 47 years, Jeff and their children Ben and his wife Michelle, Jacob and his wife Jennifer, Pamela, Penelope, Polli-Jo, Cristi-Anna, T. Christian, and Connor. 14 grandchildren Matthew Adam, Jason, Jennifer, Quinn, Ellis, Piper, Campbell, Owen, Cianna, Luca, Emma, Lincoln, Morgan, and Lyza. 1 great grandchild Harbor. She also leaves behind her sister Joann her husband Paul, their children Kerry, Chris, and Jody.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to LUK Foster Care Services on behalf of Karen Bean through this link:

 https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E359549&id=2

Calling Hours will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, and Walter C. Taylor, Directors.