Maureen D Karalus

Maureen D. (Turnbull) Karalus, 79 of Worcester passed away at home unexpectedly in her sleep, Wednesday December 23rd 2015.  Maureen one of six children of Joseph and Marion (Lavallee) Turnbull, was born and raised in Worcester.  She graduated from St Stephen High School.  Maureen then met and in 1954, married the man who became the love of life and best friend for the next 61 years Richard Karalus, Sr.  Together and with love, family and devotion they began their family and raised five sons, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren, All the while working for the City of Worcester School Department as a school secretary, mostly at Upsala and Providence Junior High for over 25 years before retiring. Maureen leaves behind her husband Dick; four sons, Richard Karalus, Jr. and his fiancée Michelle of Auburn, Michael Karalus and his wife Debbie of Worcester, Stephen Karalus and his wife Holly in Aspers Pennsylvania, David Karalus and his wife Jennifer of Dudley; a sister, Donna Hackett of Worcester; nine grandchildren she dearly loved and who loved her back, Brad, Amanda, Timothy, Daniel, Kevin, Abigail, Nicholas, Nathan and Cooper; three great grandchildren; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  A son, Paul passed away in 1986. Two brothers Robert and Roger Turnbull and two sisters, Carolyn Sturgis and Kathleen Sluckis all pre deceased her. Maureen was a member and active volunteer of Our Lady of Loreto Church, donating her time for the Italian festival, church bingo, usher board, church bazaars and anywhere she was needed.   Along with her husband Dick, her children and grandchildren, they always came first in her life no matter what.  She was the backbone of her family and devoted to them, especially her beautiful grandchildren.  She was a beautiful person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends, family dinners, needlework, cooking, and reading.  Maureen truly believed that faith, family and friends were the most important in her life. Maureen was very generous with her love, time and resources, and would help anyone who needed it.  Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten.  Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family Sunday, December 27th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be held Monday, December 28th from the funeral with a procession to her church; Our Lady of Loreto, 33 Massasoit Rd where family friend Monsignor Stephen Pedone will celebrate her Mass at 10:00 am.  Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.  The family requests that remembrances in her name be made to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd. 01604.