BIRKETT, Karen M. (Cusack) of Dedham and Norton, age 65, passed on January 10, 2021 following a sudden and devastating bout with interstitial lung disease. Daughter of the late Joe and Amy Cusack of Dedham. Karen was a loving mother to Kimberly of Norwood, Stephen of Canaan, NH, and Joe and his wife, Meaghan, of Norwood, and grandmother to Maggie, whom she welcomed just eight weeks ago. Karen is survived by her former husband, Glenn Birkett of Brandon, VT, longtime friend Kevin Bastow of Seekonk, her brothers and sisters: Michael and his wife Rhonda of Mission Viejo, CA, Jay and his wife Maureen of Ponce Inlet, FL, Christine Cummings and her husband John, Eileen Wagner and her husband Jack, Mary Ellen McDonough and her husband Brian, and her favorite sister Leslie Cusack all of Dedham. Karen also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews, and countless cousins and friends.
Karen was the fourth of seven children, born into a large and loving family in Allston. Her siblings and cousins remained her closest friends from diapers to retirement. She had a blast working for radio stations WBCN and WCOZ before moving to Norton to focus on raising her family. Karen’s biggest pride was seeing her three kids settle into adulthood, becoming people she not only loved but liked as well. She loved being with children; when her own were grown, she began nannying for nieces, nephews, and neighbors. Simple pleasures made Karen happy - a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee with nine creams and two Equals, a baby in her arms, sleeping late, working on a sewing or art project, and seeing the leaves change colors in the fall. She loved show tunes and Broadway shows, and while she lacked any singing talent, she made up for it in confidence, volume, and enthusiasm.
A private visitation will be held on Thursday, January 14 from 9:00-10:30am at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, Dedham followed by a private Funeral Mass at 11:00am at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church, Dedham. The Funeral Mass will be live steamed on the Church website: stmarysdedham. There will be a burial and celebration of Karen’s life at a later date when everyone can gather together. Plan ahead because she expects a crowd.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Karen’s memory to the American Lung Association, 1661 Worcester Rd., #301, Framingham, MA 01701, lung.org.