Karen A. Williams

Winchendon-Karen A. (Griehshammer) Williams, 60 died Friday, April 5, 2024, at Heywood Hospital. 

Karen was born in Leominster on October 27, 1963, a daughter, of the late Rudolf and Eleanor (Riedel) Griehshammer. 

Karen leaves her husband, Richard Williams Jr., of 38 years. They met working at James Lomme Deli and Produce Inc. in Leominster. Together, they raised five children, navigated life, and supported each other. 

She leaves five children, Sara Williams and her partner, Matt Gosselin, Matthew Williams, Meghan Williams and her husband, Joel De Velis, Brittany Williams, and Joseph Williams; two granddaughters, Nora and Grace; her sister, Susan Fasoli and her husband, Lee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her brother Gary. 

Karen was a 1981 graduate of Leominster High School. While in school, she participated in 4H and loved working with sheep. She spoke regularly of her days attending state fairs and this inspired her love of rural and country living. She loved taking care of animals and would often adopt neighborhood strays. 

Karen was a homemaker and primary caregiver for her children during their early years. When her children were school age, she volunteered and then later worked as a paraprofessional in the Winchendon Public School system. She spent much of this time working one-on-one with students with disabilities at Memorial and Toy Town Schools. She was a frequently requested substitute and loved working closely with these students.  

Her friends, families, and colleagues knew her as a talented crafter. She loved all things arts and crafts and was also finding new ways to repurpose items. She fostered this creativity within her children, often finding ways to supply budding interests and hobbies. She also owned KW Kountry Prim Home Decor, a business that she operated out of the home while attending craft fairs and festivals. She made many connections throughout Central New England and built a reputation as a kind and creative soul. 

It is hard to believe that Karen would have any downtime with all of these activities, but she was also very involved in the community. She was a Cub Scout Den Leader for her son's Joseph's Boy Scout troop and was regularly involved in scouting events for her son Matthew. She taught early grades for CCD at St. Denis Church in Ashburnham and participated in Church functions. When she herself was not assisting with community functions, she was supporting her children in their community involvement. 

Karen was known for her generous and kind spirit.  She was a very caring and loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Her funeral will be held in the funeral home on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., Burial will be private

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors.