Karen Lee Mincone (Chandler), age 79, passed away peacefully in her home on December 20. She was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, the daughter of Richard and Catherine Chandler, with her childhood spent in Rockland, MA. Her early life consisted of being a devoted and doting big sister to Christine (Chandler) Keane. She enjoyed academics, helped out at her father’s pharmacy, and distinguished herself as a natural leader through her involvement in school clubs and activities.
Karen married her high school sweetheart, Paul R. Mincone Sr., and together they shared 52 years of marriage until Paul’s passing in 2020. She is survived by her her daughter, Leesa Mincone Chapman of Mansfield MA and her son - Paul R. Mincone Jr. (spouse, Cheryl Perry Mincone) of Barrington RI. For them, Karen was a constant example of love for family, commitment to community, and having a strong work ethic. She is also survived by her four beloved grandsons: Noah Perry Mincone (23), Paul Richard Chapman (21), Alexander Perry Mincone (20), and Caleb Michael Chapman (17). For her grandchildren, Karen was both a trusted caregiver and a constant source of joy, fun, and love.
Her early married life began with living on the U.S. Naval base in Atsugi Japan, with a baby in tow. Karen devoted herself to raising her expanded family in Abington, Massachusetts. She was a true example of the working women of the 1970s and 1980s, balancing family life with a long and proud career as a legal secretary for over 30 years. Despite her full schedule, Karen remained involved in her community and was an active member and volunteer at Holy Family Church in Rockland MA, where she tutored conversational English as a second language.
Together with her husband, Karen was known for hosting countless gatherings for family, neighbors and friends - from poolside barbecues and epic 4th of July celebrations to glitzy Christmas parties and casual “open-door” visits with cherished neighbors. Her home was a place of connection and welcome. Karen was a creator of adventures, by organizing “mystery rides” with her grandchildren, planning overnight getaways with girlfriends, and treasured international travel with her husband.
In her later years, Karen remained steadfast in her self-appointed role as the “best grandma in the world,” offering caregiving support and making holidays, especially Christmas, as magical as possible. She continued to build meaningful connections in her new community through the St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s Club of Mansfield, where she formed friendships in her Mahjong group and embraced a new leadership role as an instructor. Additionally, Karen always maintained her enthusiasm for the NE Patriots, and had the outfits to prove it!
Karen will be remembered as a leader throughout her life, not only professionally, but within her family, among friends, and across her communities. The values she has instilled include an appreciation for life balance — having a high work ethic, prioritizing family, and encouraging the importance of fun downtime experiences.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, December 29, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 330 Pratt St. in Mansfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Hospital, the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.
 |  |  |  |
