Karen Billingham

Karen (Jones) Billingham, 69, of Littleton, passed away on February 23, 2024 at Emerson Hospital. 

Born in Boston on January 24, 1955, Karen was the eldest child of the late Jean (Graves) and Bradley Jones Sr. Growing up in North Reading, she developed a great love for animals, gardening, and the great outdoors. Like her parents, she attended UNH, where she met Marc, her husband of nearly 47 years. Serving as a supporting spouse alongside her husband in the US Air Force, she lived in Montana, California, Ohio, North Dakota, and Utah, welcoming two sons, Gregory and Christopher, along the way. 

During their time in Utah, neighborhood animals seemed drawn to Karen's warmth and kindness, and she diligently cared for numerous cats who frequently returned to her for safe haven. In 1997, the family made a final move to Littleton with their four cats in tow. Karen cherished the family's yearly vacations at Tall Timber Lodge in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, where so many happy memories were made. She had an unwavering sense of humor, was a fiercely devoted mother, and was an ardent supporter of wildlife and animal welfare organizations.

She is survived by her husband, Marc Billingham of Littleton, and two brothers, Mark Jones and his wife Ying of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, and Bradley Jones Jr. and his wife, Linda of North Reading. She will be dearly missed by her two sons, Gregory Billingham of Littleton and Christopher Billingham and his wife Rachel of Shirley; grandson Ciarán Billingham of Fitchburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Friends and family will gather to honor and remember Karen on Saturday, March 2nd, during open visitation hours from 1:00-200 pm, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 pm at Badger Funeral Home at 347 King Street in Littleton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen's memory to the MSPCA (https://www.mspca.org/donate-now/tribute-honor-and-memorial-giving) or the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gift).