Karen J. Emery

Peterborough, NH Karen Jane Emery of 3 Oak Street, Peterborough, NH on May 16, 2017 passed on to join her beloved family members who have gone before her including her parents, Stanley and Mary Emery, her maternal grandmother, Helen Naglie, "the best grandmother in the world," who had lived with the family, her paternal grandparents, Herbert (Pop) and Beatrice Emery and her brother-in-law, C. Kendrick Capon. Karen's passing was due to chronic and acute respiratory failure. She was born April 11, 1956 in Peterborough and bravely battled asthma throughout her life. Karen grew up in Peterborough where she was a 1974 National Honor Society graduate of Conval Regional High School. Her undergraduate college years included Georgetown University, Boston College and Keene State College from which she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1979 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. She was a 1978 Harry S. Truman Scholar. While in college she had several internships, all with an environmental orientation, including with the NH Air Resources, Water Supply and Pollution Control Commission and the NH House of Representatives. She continued her education at Franklin Pierce Law Center where she was named to Who's Who of American Law Students. She achieved her J.D. Degree in 1982, when she was also admitted to the NH Bar Association, maintaining membership throughout her life. For 15 years Karen was a Corporate Counsel for PSNH/Northeast Utilities. During that period she was married to Atty. Joseph Weglowski, whom she had met in law school. They resided in Dunbarton and Rye, NH. She served on the American Lung Association Board of Directors and was a Trustee of the Coakley Superfund Site Generators Group. For fun she enjoyed skiing, sailing and horseback riding. At age 40 Karen began a new life on Sanibel Island, FL, where she lived for several years. She then married Jeffrey Barsanti and lived in Amherst and Hollis, NH. Their daughter Courtney was born and became the focus of her life. She involved her in many enriching activities such as the Grand Monadnock Youth Choir and encouraged her to aim high. During the next phase of her life Karen lived with her mother Mary and Courtney in the family home at 3 Oak Street. They enjoyed lunches out, partaking in community suppers, frequently visiting her dad at Pheasantwood Nursing Home, and spending time in the family home on Sanibel Island. Prior to buying the Peterborough family home in 2016, upon which she made many improvements, especially those involving curb appeal, for over four years she resided at Kittery Estates, Kittery, Maine, a lovely 55+ community where she enjoyed many friends. During those years Courtney visited, and along with her sister Sue and Sue's friend, Capt. Bill McDonough, they all took many mini-vacations throughout Maine including the Coast and Moosehead Lake and to the White Mountains. In her younger years Karen traveled to locales such as Hawaii, Bermuda, Costa Rica, St. Lucia and Greece. One of Karen's greatest pleasures in life was sending cards and gifts to her wide circle of friends and family. She also made contributions to community though donating to many Catholic charities and Veterans' organizations. After returning to Peterborough she became a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and worked for the Hillary Clinton Campaign. The last two decades of Karen's life were compromised by Bi-Polar Disorder. She had many good years and those not so good. She will be remembered by all those who knew and loved her for her exuberant, creative and generous personality, and her big heart. Karen leaves her much beloved daughter, Courtney Barsanti and former husband, Jeffrey Barsanti, with whom she remained friends of Antrim, NH, her sister Susan Emery of Kittery Point, ME, nephew Trevor Capon (to whom she was a "super aunt" during his growing up years) and his daughters, Alicia (Ali) and Maren of York Harbor, ME, as well as many other relatives, friends and her cat Harley, the last of beloved cats throughout her life. She was particularly close to cousins Sherry Roy of Rollinsford, NH and Sandy Cassmeyer of St. Charles, MO. To celebrate her life Karen's family invites her friends and community associates to join them on Saturday, August 5 between 2-4PM at Cooper's Hill Public House, 6 School Street, Peterborough for a glass of cheer and small bites. Burial will be private at a later date in St Peter's Cemetery. For an online obituary go to www.jellisonfuneralhome.com Memorial donations may be made to the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, PO Box 6, Franconia, NH 03580. Please note it is for a memorial paver for Karen J. Emery.

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