Theresa Emily (Benoit) Karr

Theresa Emily (Benoit) Karr, 92, a longtime resident of Littleton, MA, transcended to be with her Holy Father gracefully and peacefully on April 9th, 2018. She was surrounded by her loved ones throughout her journey before her passing. She was the beloved wife of Charles G. Karr for 55 years, daughter of Emily (DeYoung) and Fred Benoit and was raised in Somerville. She was also the loving daughter in-law of Mary & Wilfred Cadieux. She is survived by her children, who cherished her greatly, Charles (Margaret Galvin-Karr) of Salisbury, NC, Jeanne Karr of Gardner, Roger (Eileen) of Worcester, Fuzzy (Suzi Wheeler) of Ayer, Deborah (Jay) Karr-Francis of Pembroke, NH, James (Charlene) Karr, Littleton, and Betty Ann (Peter Vallon) of Ayer. She was the adored Nana to her treasured grandchildren Emily and Melissa Karr-Walter, Benjamin, Eilis and Sarah Karr, Chelsea, Tyler and Derek Karr and Sarra and Ryan Vallon and her great grandson Oliver James Brodmerkle. She was a loving sister to her siblings Sr. Veronica, Margaret, Bertha, Sonny, Anna and Marceline. Tessie was loved by many nieces and nephews and had many dear friends. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Charlie, her son George, her infant children Big Boy and Baby Theresa, her great granddaughter Chloe as well as her siblings Veronica, Bertha and Sonny.

Tessie, as she was revered, was a woman of great faith throughout of her life. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Pity Church as a young girl in Cambridge and at St. Anne's Parish when she moved to Littleton. She was an active member of Sodality for many years and was once a Prefect and Vice-Prefect. Tessie and Charlie lived in Salisbury, NC, after their retirement where she was also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was an active volunteer there and visited nursing homes and brought the blessed sacrament to those who were unable to attend church. As a devout Catholic, she attended church and prayed the rosary daily. Her faith was the foundation of who she was and how she lived.

Tessie was a bright light on this earth, always had a song in her heart and those who met her never forgot her. She was able to convey love wherever she went and was the epitome of poise and positivity. She defined joy, bliss and happiness in everything she did, no matter how simple. Tessie was known as someone that lived every day as if it was her best, no matter how simple. It was the best of anything, anywhere and every day. She had a way of giving sunshine and hope to any situation and could never say enough about her children. She would always say, "if I had known how great my 8 kids were going to be, I would have had 8 more."

Tessie worked as a school crossing guard in Littleton and at Baker School Supply in Acton for many years with her sister and best friend, Muzzy.

Tessie's mark on this earth is indelible and she will be profoundly missed by her family and by those whose lives she touched. We will forever see her spirit in the birds, the winter snow, the daffodils, the summer sun and autumn leaves, all of which she relished.

A beautiful life. A beautiful woman.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Tessie for calling hours on Sunday, April 15, 2018, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton. Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 16 at 10:00 am at St. Anne's Parish, 75 King Street, Littleton. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery, Littleton.

Tessie's wish is that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to Littleton Council on Aging, 33 Shattuck Street, Littleton, MA 01460 or to St. Anne's Church, 75 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460.