Karen (Henry) Etre

The world lost a ray of light when Karen Etre decided to do her last and final return of her worn out body to God on Saturday, January 13, 2024.  As you may know she loved to shop and more importantly return what she got. It was only fitting that after a short visit to the ICU in Melbourne Regional that she woke up, gave us a to-do list and decided to go to the Heavens shopping for a size of “no pain” leaving us all behind.

Karen was born in Worcester in 1950 and was the only child of Edward and Alice Henry who predeceased her. She loved her parents and spent her life either being taken care of by them or taking care of them. Losing them was her biggest heartbreak. Her parents raised her in Shrewsbury, MA. where she attended public schools and graduated from Shrewsbury High School. Her childhood was surrounded by family and friends where as a child she would make mud pies in the backyard on the shores of  Quinsigamond Lake and as a teenager spend weekends with her best friend Paula and other friends dancing in the basement.  She started her love of shopping at a young age and spent a lot of time with her mom and girlfriends doing just that. Her love of decorating was her favorite hobby and source of enjoyment. 

She was an infectious person who came into the room with a big smile on her face, an unlit cigarette and wine glass in her hand, a listening ear and advice to follow, Especially if you wanted to know where to shop or eat!  That infectious personality created many lifelong friendships.  Her career path took her from the early years of bartending to Copus Engineering to settling in at UMASS Memorial Health Care where she worked in several different departments for over 25 years retiring in 2010.  

Her greatest life accomplishment though was her son Christopher Etre of Upton, MA, her only child.  She cherished any time she could spend with him and his family: wife Crystal and their children Branden Etre of Los Lunas, NM, Kirsten Etre of Idaho Springs, Co and Brad Etre of Upton, MA.   She also leaves a great love, her fiance and partner on their journey of life, Richard Walsh of Sebastian, Fl. along with his daughters: Debbie LaCortiglia, husband Matt, their children Nicolas and Madison.  Cindy MacKenzie, husband Scott, their children Caroline and Brooke.   She attended every recital,  game and practice she could for her grandchildren as she loved watching them do what they loved. She also leaves her beloved dog Ally, who is still waiting in the window for her to come home.  

The Etre family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff that have helped keep her going all these years. Your work is very much appreciated. 

A period of calling hours will be held Saturday, February 3rd 2024, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. followed by a procession to St Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd  Shrewsbury where her funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am.   Burial will follow in Mt View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Animal Service adoption Center, 111 Young Road, E. Brookfield Ma 01515.