Karen J. Philbrick, 55, of Salem, NH, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 16th, 2025, at her home. She was born on November 11th, 1969, in Lawrence, MA, a daughter of the late David and Carol (Peters) Philbrick. Karen had been a resident of Salem for the past seven years. She spent the majority of her young life in Methuen, MA, where she made many memories and friends including her best friend since childhood, and roommate for many years, Robin Whitaker of Salem, NH.
In Karen’s early years, she graduated one year early from the Greater Lawrence Technical School in the year 1987 with a degree in painting and decorating, which ended up being a big hobby in her life. From there, she worked diligently during her 22 year career at the IRS in Andover, MA, moving up the ranks from a cafeteria worker to a management position. After leaving the IRS, she worked at a number of places, ultimately finding friends at the Salem Goodwill.
She is survived by her two loving daughters, Madison Guptill of Hooksett, NH and Madilyn Guptill of Auburn, NH; two brothers, David Philbrick and Quentin Philbrick; three sisters, Melanie Carroll, Carrie Philbrick-Matthews, and Heather Chase, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. She is predeceased by her father, David Philbrick Sr. and her brother Patrick Philbrick.
Karen will always be remembered for being a caring and generous woman who would always put others before herself. She loved animals, especially her 2 beloved cats, Titan and Clash. She loved to shop, but she loved to save a couple of bucks more with her seemingly endless supply of coupons. Karen loved to reminisce about the 1980’s, always reminding her daughters that it was the best decade to have lived in. She was very well known for being tiny but mighty, frequently referring to her late father’s favorite joke of “raising truckers for daughters, and wimps for sons”. Most of all, she will be remembered for being a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Following cremation, memorial services will be held privately by the family. Memorial contributions may be made directly to her daughters, Madison and Madilyn Guptill.