Karen Paquette

MILLBURY - Karen (Hofstra) Paquette, 70, passed away on June 1st at UMass University Campus after battling a long illness.

She leaves her husband of 44 years, Edmond J. Paquette, daughter Megan Gauthier of Millbury, daughter Kerri Paquette and her partner Andrew Raffa of Millbury, son in law Eric Gauthier of Northbridge, grandchildren Sydney, Jay and Jordyn Gauthier all of Millbury, her sister and brother-in-law Donna and Ronald Egloff of South Salem, NY, niece and nephews Jennifer, Erik and Bryce Iller, all of Holland, Ma., along with many cousins and dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Phyllis Smalley and Donald Hofstra, and beloved niece Kendra Iller.

Karen was born in Upton, Ma and was a graduate of Nipmuc High School. She then went on to graduate from Burbank Hospital School of Nursing and embarked on a 48-year nursing career, working at St. Vincent Hospital for many years, then moving into long term care, which became her passion. She retired in 2018 from Knollwood Nursing Center in Worcester.

Karen lived her life for her family, coworkers and her patients, and was a dedicated and wonderful friend to all that knew her. Family get togethers, ice cream, game nights, flowers, the beach, the Boston Bruins and New England Patriots brought her joy, and we will continue to celebrate all of those things for her.

Karen’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, both in Brookline and Milford, Ma., for the amazing care she has received for the last four years.

Burial will be private. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life for Karen on June 18th, 1-5 pm at her home in Millbury.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., SW 120, Boston, Ma. 02215 or to DetecTogether, 53 Otis St. Westborough, Ma. 01581