Karen M. Cousineau

If Karen Cousineau had to be described in one word it would be ‘selfless’ . . . she spent her life devoted to others and never asked of anything in return. A true ‘angel,’ she loved her family more than words could say and enjoyed every second spent with them. A loving sister, daughter, aunt, and friend, Karen M. Cousineau, of Salem, died Thursday, December 1, 2022 in Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Salem. She was 59.

Born in Waltham on April 25, 1963, she was a daughter of the late Edward T. and Theresa M. (Furey) Cousineau. Raised and educated in Waltham, she most recently had worked as an administrative assistant at the Department of Developmental Services in Beverly for many years.

She was a nature lover and had a tremendous place in her heart for animals. Karen loved her beloved late pet canine companion, Brandy.  She was a volunteer at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem where she found great joy in caring for the dogs and cats and helping them find their ‘forever’ homes. Never one to keep still, Karen always found ways to keep her mind busy. Whether it was through playing games, completing puzzles, and even learning new languages, Karen was infatuated with the world around her and always found ways to admire its beauty.

She is survived by her brothers and sisters, Jeanne M. Bruno (David) of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, Edward T. Cousineau, Jr. (Denise) of Franklin, Janet T. Cousineau of Waltham, and David P. Cousineau (Patrice) of Sanford, Maine and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Karen's life by gathering to visit from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 5th, in the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, (Rte. 20), Waltham before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem, Massachusetts 01970 or by visiting www.northeastanimalshelter.org