Karen L. (Nelson) Berry

Karen Loretta (Nelson) Berry, 87, of Reading, formerly of Stoneham, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2026. She was the daughter of Waldo Nelson and Cleone (Peterson) Nelson Dukeshire.

Karen was a graduate of Stoneham High School, Class of 1957, and Bay State Academy in 1959. She worked for many years as an insurance agent for Lois Lane Insurance Agency in Middleton. Karen and the late James E. Berry III raised two sons, Michael and Thomas. She served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts and took tremendous pride in seeing both of her sons become Eagle Scouts.

A longtime resident of Stoneham, Karen later made her home in North Reading and Reading. Some of her happiest times were spent with family at their camp on Highland Lake in Washington, New Hampshire, where she especially looked forward to local traditions like the annual Ham and Bean Supper and Chicken BBQ. She loved crosswords, game shows and reading, and had a lifelong creative streak. A gifted stencil artist, Karen created beautiful, intricate work and brought that same patience and enjoyment to all kinds of crafts.

Above all, Karen delighted in the simple pleasure of being with her family. Holidays often included doing puzzles and building Lego sets, and she loved gathering around the table for a home-cooked meal. These traditions, shared meals, and ordinary moments together became some of the memories her family will treasure most.

Karen was the devoted and beloved mother of Michael Berry and his wife Maryellen, and Thomas Berry and his wife Leigh. She was the loving grandmother of Michael Berry, Devyn Berry, Daniel Berry, and Timothy Fletcher, and loving great-grandmother of Riley. She was the dear sister of Karyl Larson and her late husband Ralph, and the late Peter Nelson. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main St. (RT 28), Stoneham, from 10 am to 1 pm. A Funeral Service celebrating Karen’s life will follow at 1pm. Interment will follow in Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Karen to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.