Karen Elizabeth Packish died at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Nov. 22, 2016. She was 63. Karen was an Island native, born on Feb. 27, 1953, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, the daughter of Robert Packish and Margaret Getchell. She attended the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, where she had to drop out in the eleventh grade because she was pregnant with her first child, William Maciel. She went on to marry her high school sweetheart and have their second child, Sherry Maciel.
After 20 years of marriage, she got divorced and decided she wanted to change and better her life. Karen went on to get her GED, and then attended the Massage Institute of New England. While going to massage school, she worked for the Vineyard Nursing Association doing private duty for the late Tom and Virginia Early. Karen loved caring for and helping the elderly; she was a nurturer.
She also loved going for walks on the beach, spending time with her daughter and her two dogs, Bentley and Buckley, and watching movies with her long-term companion of 26 years, Paul W. Schultz.
Last, everyone who knew her recognized her big heart, her angelic spirit, and her great sense of humor. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her daughter, Sherry L. Maciel; her son, William F. Maciel; her sister, Roberta Curtis, and nephew, Stephen Curtis Jr. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Dec. 2, in St. Augustine’s Church, Franklin Street, Vineyard Haven, at 11 am, followed by a graveside service in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineyard Avenue, Oak Bluffs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the purchase of her memorial headstone.
Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.
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