On October 8th,Karen Franks, 66, of Hopkinton went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ after a ten year battle with breast cancer. She died at home peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Karen is survived by her husband Steve, her four children: John Franks with wife Julie, Erin Avery with husband Ken, Steve Franks with wife Keryn, Mike Franks, and Alyson Cavicchi Franks, and twelve grandchildren and others who called her “Gramma,” her father John (Jack) Fritz of Sebring, Florida and her sister Sharon Batten and family of Boylston, MA. She is also survived by extended members of the family Carsten Loof of Germany, and Emin Rasulov and family of Azerbaijan and Hong Kong.
Karen’s Christian faith led her to be a care giver and life encourager to many. Karen was a Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader as a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Holliston for many years. Karen provided life changing love and care for other women with cancer or other afflictions. God’s love would shine through Karen’s smile and loving touch. Karen became a member of Faith Community Church of Hopkinton, sharing her gift of caring with many people.
Karen spent over 10 happy years working at Hopkinton High School in the guidance office and as secretary to the principal, bringing comfort to many young people who needed understanding, direction and confidence in their life. Many remember her guidance and care, and now use the same with their own families.
Karen always shared her talents and gifts with her many friends as well. Friends remember her teaching them about gardening, which was Karen’s great love of seeing things grow. Karen was also a supporter of animal shelters. She especially loved to support the New England Basset Hound Rescue Association after owning basset hounds for 30 years. Karen was a supporter of the Metrowest Humane Society and MSPCA, among others.
Karen worked as a marketing coordinator and website support liaison at her husband’s company, TM Electronics, Inc. in Boylston for 10 years. Her skills in writing and artistic design were a major contribution to the success of the company. At work, her skill in caring shone through her pleasant smile and kind words for those she worked with.
Karen’s love of the Earth was evidenced by her many gardens of perennials, roses, vegetables and flowers of a large variety. Her yard and gardens are a tribute to the power of the seeds that that God plants in the ground to grow to beauty, just as her care a tribute to the love God gave her to pass to the people she touched.
A memorial service is planned in the Chapel at Faith Community Church in Hopkinton on Saturday, October 13 at 3:00 PM. Pastor Robert Cloutier, longtime friend and spiritual guide will officiate the service. All friends and family are invited to celebrate Karen’s journey to her new home in heaven. A time of fellowship and memories will be open to all at the church after the service.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute of Milford, MA., who provided many years of support and life extension to Karen. Her smile and doctrine of “life is good” encouraged many doctors, nurses and patients during her visits. Please send donations in Karen Franks’ memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institue, 2nd Floor, 20 Prospect St., Milford, MA 01757. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.