Karen McHugh of Seekonk Named as an Unsung Heroine Representative Steven Howitt And Massachusetts Commission On The Status Of Women Honor Unsung Heroines Of 2015

“It was a bittersweet day for all of us while celebrating Karen’s accomplishments as an Unsung Heroine. Our thoughts went back to the needless tragedy, still without a resolution. We honor Karen’s life and her important and heartfelt work for our community today.””

Representative Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) joined the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women to honor the late Karen Ann McHugh as a posthumous member of the 2015 class of Unsung Heroines. Representative Steven Howitt recommended Ms. McHugh for this recognition for her selfless contributions to the Town of Seekonk. Ms. McHugh was honored with the other Unsung Heroines for her outstanding contributions to her community in a ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston.

Karen McHugh was a person with a wonderful heart who was very involved in her community. She was an officer in the Seekonk Save a Pet Society which supports the work of the Town of Seekonk Animal Shelter. Karen had two dogs and twelve cats—all rescue animals. She was also an officer in the Seekonk Historical Society and on the Building committee for the Seekonk Animal Shelter. Karen was involved with the Seekonk Congregational Church, helping with church suppers and other activities. Karen lost her life by a hit and run driver on January 30, 2015 at the age of 51.

The Unsung Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make a difference. They are women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without the expectation of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together, and every community has them.

Representative Howitt stated, “It was a bittersweet day for all of us while celebrating Karen’s accomplishments as an Unsung Heroine. Our thoughts went back to the needless tragedy, still without a resolution. We honor Karen’s life and her important and heartfelt work for our community today.” In attendance were Ms. McHugh’s partner, mother and sister, as well as Jan Parker and Pat Cloutier.

MCSW Chair Victoria A. Budson said, “Over the last few months we have been moved and heartened by the amazing stories of remarkable women effectively creating community, shaping lives, and living their values. It is an honor and a pleasure to recognize the 2015 Unsung Heroines. We are inspired by their individual efforts and know that these women turn neighborhoods into communities and communities into a commonwealth.”


Senate President Stanley Rosenberg and Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo opened the celebration by welcoming the Heroines to the State House. The ceremony included a program acknowledging each of the 2015 Unsung Heroines and was followed by a group photograph on the Grand Staircase and a Just Desserts reception.

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.

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