Karen Wilson Willette
Karen Wilson Willette, 72, of Riverside, East Providence, Rhode Island passed away surrounded by her loving family in her home on Monday, August 7, 2023. She was the long-time life partner of Richard Muserlian with whom she shared a wonderful life and home.
Karen was born in Boston and was the daughter of the late Richard and Lilian (Wognstolen) Wilson. Karen loved newspapers, was a proud veteran of old-time newspaper advertising, spending her career as an Account Executive for the Waltham News Tribune, the Hyde Park Tribune and then on to Enterprise Publishing for over 20 years, until she retired in 2019. She was a great friend to her colleagues and a proud union member, acting as Secretary for years and negotiating with the best of them. Karen was a wellspring of kindness and compassion. She loved people and made friends wherever she went. She spent her time focused on others and was always at the ready with a helping hand. Karen was talented: a fabulous cook and baker (and called upon for both frequently!), she created a garden almost as lovely as she herself! Karen made life beautiful. She was simply brilliant: well-read, LOVED the Arts—Museums, Movies, Music, all of it! She adored Opera and volunteered for Providence’s Encore. She loved to travel, with Italy and France among her favorites—most especially France! Karen ate this world up in all the best possible ways. She was a gourmand for living, with a zest for experiences.
Karen was so very much a loving partner, mother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be deeply and truly missed by all who knew her. Along with Richard, Karen leaves her much-loved son, James P. Willette of Pawtucket; two dear brothers: Richard E. Wilson, Jr. and his wife Joanne of Nolensville, TN, John E. Wilson of Baltimore, MD and his partner Anu Murthy of Charlotte, NC, as well as the much-missed, late James M. Wilson; and one favorite sister, Elaine M. Wilson and her partner Kevin J. O’Connell, Karen’s “Blue-Hero”, of Quincy, MA. She was the widow of Philip C. Willette and the beloved aunt of Brandon Fury, Rachel Weiser and Amanda Hall. She was much loved by Cheryl (Muserlian) and Doug Randall, along with Rich, Kristi (Cooper), Sophia, and Jake Muserlian, as well as countless dear friends.
Please join her loved ones for a Celebration of Life, on Monday, September 18, 2023 from 3-6 at the Rooftop at the G, 100 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI. After the service we’ll share remembrances —so please bring your favorite tales of Karen!
Please know that Karen’s needs were so beautifully met by both the Medical Equipment Program of the Masonic Grand Lodge Charities of RI, and Hope Health Hospice of Providence, RI; please consider donations to these organizations in lieu of flowers.
