Sturbridge: Karen Rose (Russell) Langer, 77, left her love ones on May 10, 2024.  A woman who gave so much of herself and asked so very little.

Karen was born in Worcester to the late Bill and Loraine (Silk) Russell on October 17, 1946.  She leaves her husband of 50 years John William Langer; a son, Patrick Langer and wife Betsy Nero of Holland; three daughters, Laura Elian of Holland, Karen "Sissy" Lovendale and her husband James of Southbridge, and  Natalina Earls and her partner Brian McNamara of Cranston, RI; two sisters, Lisa Greene and husband Charlie Greene of Oxford and Pat Troy of Portsmouth, NH; her former sons-in-law Mike Elian of Auburn and Eric Earls of Cranston, RI; her grandsons, Shane, Jaren, Jackson, and Johnny; her granddaughters, Alex, Melody, Dahlia, and Vivi; her great grandsons, Finn, and Negan; and her great granddaughters, Jovee and Emma. After the passing of her mother, she served as surrogate grandmother to her niece and nephew, Chelsea Stone and Austin Greene. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Katie.

A graduate of Oxford High, she attended Worcester State, and the University of Massachusetts University Without Walls. She was artistic and the "Welcome" slates she painted and sold at Basketville, can be found hanging on doors throughout the country.  Her compassion and belief in the dignity of every individual led her into social work at the Bridge program and then as a case manager for DMH, where she surrounded herself with cherished coworkers who shared her compassion.  After early retirement from DMH she concentrated her efforts on her grandchildren having what was known Camp Meemee. When the kids where young she hosted gingerbread house parties at her home, the log cabin, and 4th July family cook outs in the yard. She loved the holidays, especially Christmas, where she adorned the log cabin with countless decorations and multiple Christmas trees.  She took great joy in turning her decorative eye toward her space in the Brimfield Antique Center and fostered meaningful friendships in the antique community. She was a good friend and her philosophy was don't ask what you can do to help, just do it. She was the love of her husband's life and will be so missed.

A funeral service for Karen will be held on Friday, May 17th at 11:00am in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held Thursday, May 16th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.