Known for her devotion to family and friends
NORTH READING — Karen Jean (Barringer) O’Connor, of North Reading, 51, passed away at home with her family by her side on January 7, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Karen was the daughter of William Barringer of North Reading and the late Marilyn Barringer. She is survived by her beloved husband of 17 years, John Robert (JR), and their son William, the light of her life.
She was the sister of Brent Barringer and his wife Andrea of Charlestown, and Jill Borgonzi and her husband Michael of Kansas City, Missouri. She was the sister-in-law of Dennis O’Connor and his wife Erika of London, England and Theresia O’Connor of Haddon Heights, New Jersey. She was the daughter-in-law of Dennis O’Connor and Aristea Zis of Pittsfield and Bill and Maria Lage of Scottsdale, Arizona. She was an aunt to Joey and Nina Borgonzi, Parker Barringer, Coral O’Connor, David O’Connor, Madyson O’Connor and Sydney O’Connor, who all brought her so much joy.
Karen graduated from North Reading High School in 1989 and Plymouth State College in 1994, and was a lifelong resident of North Reading. She worked for many years as a teacher and a caregiver to young children before becoming a full-time mother and wife.
Karen was the cherished niece of Jeanne and Angie DiNardo of Kennebunkport, Maine; Patrick Scrima and Paula Bross of North Reading; Jodi and Essam Kader of North Reading; Virginia Kirlis of North Reading; and Nancy and Jim Byrne of Burlington.
In addition to Maggie and Milo, her sweet cockapoos, Karen leaves behind a large extended family and many close friends that will miss her dearly. She was most proud of her amazing marriage with her husband, JR, as they served as the model relationship for all those who knew them. Karen devoted much of her life to taking care of others, including her parents and grandparents. She was truly the glue that held together generations of family members and friends. Her greatest joy was planning and hosting wonderful dinners and parties where everyone was welcome. In recent years, she particularly loved meals cooked by her son William. In her last weeks, despite her declining health, she prioritized traveling to shopping centers to buy thoughtful Christmas gifts for her friends and family, which we will cherish forever.
Funeral services will be held from the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 9 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading, at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery, Elm Street, North Reading.
Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the funeral home on Thursday, January 12 from 5 to 8 p.m.
For information, directions and to leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotafuneralhomes.com.