Karen L. Parnanen

WORCESTER - Karen L. Parnanen passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, February 19, 2021 after a brief illness at Baldwinville Nursing Home. Karen was an amazing person. She bowled in the WIBC and took home many trophies. She also coached bowling including handicapped and disabled kids. She worked for many years for Owen-Brockway driving forklift. Karen spent as much of her free time as possible with her nieces and nephews taking them on many trips. Karen was a great artist and could draw just about anything for you. Karen was Auntie to everyone and she accepted everyone exactly how they were always. If you were going to do something with Karen you knew it was going to be a good time. She could always find the humor in everything and loved a good joke. She loved to play card games not necessarily by the rules, but it was always fun. Karen was easy to talk to and would point you in the right direction. She believed you should always be kind to everyone because you never know what tomorrow holds. Karen loved all of her dogs.. Karen was loved by many everywhere she went leaving cherished memories and laughter in her wake. Karen is survived by her twin sister, Carol Lyons of Worcester,  her much beloved nieces and nephews Kim Luketich and her husband John of Gardner, Micheal Lyons of Louisville KY, Jennifer Hamel of Gardner, Richard Hamel of Westminister,  John Hamel of Westminister, and Dennis Hamel and his wife Amiee of Hubbardston. She also leaves behind her grand nieces and nephews Bobbi Jo Lyons, Courtney Lyons, Elizabeth Lyons, Sarah White, Shawn White, Koie Hamel, Samantha Hamel, Kayla Gallant, Miranda Hiltz, and Juila Hamel; as well as several great grand nieces and nephews; and leaves behind her dog Mumu. She is predeceased by both of her parents, Pavo Parnanen and Myrtle Parnanen of Westminister and her older sister Marilyn Hamel and her husband Paul Hamel of Westminister; and by her dogs, Timothy A Jones and Lucy Goosey Jones. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Karen's name to Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.