Karen M. Hern

Karen M. Hern of Walpole, formerly of Milton, died peacefully on March 4 at age 63. Beloved daughter of the late Kevin and Eleanor (Farren) Hern. Cherished wife of Steven Forgione.  Dear sister of Ellen (Bill) Stathis, Tricia (Cliff) Conley, Kevin (Cindy) Hern, and Tony (Sue) Hern. Sister-in-law of Carmen Forgione and Donald (Linda) Forgione. Also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends, especially her lifelong friend, Marion Mullen.

Karen graduated from Providence College in 1982 with a degree in Special Education.  She worked in the Deafblind Program at Perkins School for the Blind as the Coordinator of Residential Living, where, for 40 years, she lovingly and selflessly devoted herself to “her kids”. 

Karen enjoyed many victorious Patriots seasons with her husband, Steve, over the years.  She loved Tab soda and she cleverly manipulated a way to order it by the case even after it was discontinued years ago.  She enjoyed many days seaside , beach chair firmly planted, full sun, at Nantasket and other Cape Cod beaches.  In 2016, after 25 years together, she and Steve married in a quiet ceremony at Dennis Town Hall.  The event was subsequently reported in a Cape Cod Times article featuring their picture, together with the Justice of the Peace who wed them, Karen stating that “they wanted it on their terms.” 

In Karen’s memory and per “her terms,” a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Perkins’ School DeafBlind Program in Memory of Karen can be made at support.perkins.org