Karen Emily Overstreet was called home on April 30, 2026, with her daughter by her side, after a courageous battle with a brief illness. Karen was born in Houston, Texas, on March 9, 1954, and later settled in Whately, Massachusetts, where she grew up on a big farm on River Road alongside her six siblings. Raised in a home full of love and music, Karen developed a vibrant, sometimes loud, larger-than-life personality that stayed with her throughout her life. Karen eventually left the valley and settled in Ashfield, where she spent many wonderful years raising her family. She always said it was a beautiful place to raise her children, and it truly was, filled with so many happy memories. She kept the same open-door policy and welcoming spirit that she grew up with. Her friends, family, and especially her children’s friends always knew they were welcome and enjoyed being in her home. She always made sure everyone had snacks and felt cared for. Her house was a place filled with comfort, laughter, and love, where everyone felt at home. In her younger years, Karen was an All-Star athlete and one of the best field hockey players Frontier Regional High School has ever seen. She held the record for most goals and assists in a single season, an accomplishment that, to this day, is believed to remain unbeaten. Her talent and dedication even earned her recognition in Sports Illustrated magazine. She loved all sports and was naturally good at them, but field hockey was truly her sport. Music was also always a big part of Karen’s life. She loved playing guitar with her siblings, especially her sister Susie, and even though she didn’t always believe it herself, she had a truly beautiful voice. Karen found a career she genuinely loved after attending barber school in Holyoke, Massachusetts. She went on to have a remarkable 30-year career as a barber, spending most of those years at Florence Barbershop alongside many of her dearest friends. Karen was not only incredibly skilled at her craft, but she also had a gift for conversation. She loved to talk, and anyone lucky enough to sit in her chair was met with warmth, laughter, and a conversation that could brighten even the hardest day. She had a way of connecting with anyone and everyone, leaving people smiling long after they left her chair. Karen’s proudest accomplishment was being a Mamma. She was a deeply loving and devoted mom to her children, John, Curtis, and Kaitlyn. She loved her children with her whole heart, deeply and unconditionally, and had a special way of making everything feel okay just by being present. In her retirement, Karen found joy in the simple things she loved most: spending time with her sister Susie, going to the casino, shopping with Kaitlyn, and playing Redecor on her phone. She had a passion for decorating and could rearrange the same room ten times over in just a few months, always knowing how to make a space feel like home. Above all, her greatest joy in retirement was being at her beautiful home in Rowe, Massachusetts, which she shared with her daughter Kaitlyn, son-in-law Josh, and her two grandchildren. Her most cherished granddaughter, Aurora, was the light of her life. She also welcomed her grandson, Myles, just seven months ago, who brought her so much joy. Being with her daughter and her grandchildren every day, playing and laughing together, brought her immense happiness. Karen had the most infectious laugh, loved to dance, and was incredibly funny. She was such a joy to be around, and even when things weren’t easy, she remained positive. She was truly one of a kind, someone whose presence made everything feel lighter, warmer, and full of love. To know her was to love her, and to be loved by her was something incredibly special. She leaves behind her daughter, Kaitlyn Giard, and son-in-law, Josh Giard; her son, Curtis Tobacco, and daughter-in-law, Tara Burs; her two beautiful grandchildren, Aurora and Myles Giard ; her sisters, Darnell Brown and Susan Pomasko; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased and now reunited with her first son, John Tobacco; her brothers, Timmy, Michael, Dan, and Henry; her mother and father, Leroy and Emily Overstreet; and her best friend, Phyllis Perry. She will be missed more than words can ever express and loved forever. 

Calling hours will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, at Ahearn Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Karne's life at the Garden House at Look Memorial Park, Main street, Florence, MA. 01062