Karen Elaine Roman

   Of Saugus. Age 64, passed away on May 11, 2023 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts with family by her side.

   Born October 25, 1958 in Saugus, MA, she grew to adulthood there and was a lifelong resident. Karen was the daughter of the late Richard A. Roman and the late Elaine A. (Runcie) Roman. An employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield her entire adult life, she served in many capacities, most notably as executive administrative assistant to multiple CEOs. In July 2021, she retired after 40-plus years of service.

   With retirement, there was more time to pursue the life she had always enjoyed: lunch with friends, shopping, dancing, gardening, sewing and entertaining. Swimming in her Saugus pool and from the dock of her lake house in Maine gave her joy, especially when youngsters were present. From a very young age, she was driven to make life more efficient, more beautiful and more fun for everyone she knew.

   Whatever anyone wanted to do, Karen was ready to go! She was a world traveler, exploring Scandinavia, Ukraine, all parts of Europe, Peru, Tanzania, the Greek Isles, Alaska and most recently the ancestral homeland in Ireland. She was the traditional host and instigator for holidays, celebrations, and reunions, enlivening each one with her energy and creativity.

   Besides social events, her many passions over the decades revolved around the on-going restoration of her vintage 1967 Camaro, updating and enhancing her homes, exploring the world, making others happier and more comfortable. Since 2016, she especially treasured her get-aways at the lake in Maine, enjoying the respite of the outdoors as well as the chaos of teaching little ones to swim. Participating in the lives of the nieces and nephews of two generations has long been a particular pleasure.

   Following the death of her mother in 2010, Karen served some years as a hospice volunteer. This put the knowledge acquired from years of care giving and working with insurance providers into service to her community.

   Miss Roman is survived by her partner of 40-plus years, Fred Moore of Saugus, MA; her brother Richard Roman and his wife Carrie Taylor of Chicago, IL; her sister Cheryl Stewart and her partner Nam Farino of Woburn, MA; her sister Cindy Murray and her husband Steven Murray of Saugus, MA; numerous cousins and many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. She was devoted to the entire Extended Family and much loved by each member.

   The family extends the utmost thanks to the medical professionals of Massachusetts General Hospital who sustained Karen and her loved ones with their knowledge, caring and encouragement. Particular recognition is directed to doctors Annekathryn Goodman, MD and Richard Penson MD, both of Mass General, and to Tejal B. Patel, MD of North Shore Physicians. Equal appreciation goes to the excellent nursing staffs at the MGH’s Phillips House and Yawkey Medical Infusion Center.

   Karen stood out among all their patients for her determination, perseverance and positive attitude. She was clearly considered a role model and a favorite. From the very beginning of her medical journey, she bonded with them and they with her.

   Relatives and friends were invited to a visitation at the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus on May 20^th. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance @ ocrahope.org