Karen Ann Mcfarland

Karen Ann McFarland (Olson), 65, died suddenly on March 4, 2019 in Everett, MA.

She was the wife of the late Richard (Mac) McFarland and the daughter of the late Warren and Marjorie Olson of Medford.  Her daughter Tara survives her and Tara’s husband Paul Travassos and her granddaughter Skye. Her sisters Diane Buonopane of Everett, and Lynne Riley of Norwood and her brothers Karl of Woburn and Warren of Auburn, NH also survive Karen.  Several nieces, nephews and too many cousins to count also survive Karen and will miss her.

Karen was born in Melrose Massachusetts on July 1, 1953. She grew up in Malden in the Linden and Maplewood areas. As a young girl of just 14, her first job was at Nelson’s Bakery in Malden. She would voluntarily contribute part of her check to the family for household expenses. Karen graduated from Malden High School in 1971. She worked as a legal secretary for many years at the Boston law firm Ropes & Gray. Karen was a very kind, generous and loving person. She adored her granddaughter Skye and relished being around her family.  Karen was a beautiful person inside and out, winning several local beauty pageants in her younger years. She was an avid reader, enjoyed dining out and loved animals, especially her cat Ooogity. Karen had what one might say, “The Gift of Gab” she loved talking to people.  She enjoyed watching game shows on TV. She went on many trips with her daughter Tara that they always enjoyed and came home with fun stories. No matter how long you knew Karen she would have touched you in some meaningful way.

What most people will miss is Karen’s sharp wit, her sense of humor and kind generous soul.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Anderson-Bryant Funeral Home, 4 Common Street, Stoneham, Massachusetts on Sunday, March 10, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.