Karen L. Leary, 59 years old, of Holliston, passed away peacefully at her home on September 10, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Born in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of the late Jerry and Barbara Wild, of Lockport, NY, and her late New Hampshire parents, Dick and Alicia Booth of Laconia, NH. She is survived by her husband, John “Jay” Leary Jr., who she was married to for over twenty-seven wonderful years.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Ashlee (Booth) Thompson, and her husband, Derek Thompson, of Bellingham, MA. She is also survived by her son, Daniel (Dan) Leary, and his fiancée, Olivia Tornifoglio, of Milford, MA. Karen will be missed by her grandchildren, Madison and Tyler Thompson, Madilynn Kern, and James and Leona Leary. She also leaves behind two aunts, Suzanne Wild of N. Canton, Ohio, and Shirley Booth of Medfield, MA, and her former spouse and friend, Jon Booth of Laconia, NH. Karen had three “bonus” children as well, Christopher Leary of Westboro, MA., Meredith Leary and her husband Michael of Highland Heights, KY., and Rebecca Kern and her husband Casey of Shrewsbury, MA. She was predeceased by her “Golden” boys, Beau, Nimo, Dexter, and Jinxie.
A longtime resident of Holliston, Karen graduated from Holliston High in 1984, leaving behind her classmate and best friend, anyone could have, Dawn (Williams) Eldridge of Wrentham, MA. She went on to receive her associate’s degree from Fisher College in 1997. Karen enjoyed many things, such as gardening around her house, her “Golden” boys, Jasper and Chase, music, and working at Wayne J Griffin Electric for the past 9 years with her wonderful work family. Karen especially enjoyed being with her loved ones and planning activities such as boating, apple picking, corn mazes, as well as other established traditions. Being in New Hampshire at her home on Lake Winnipesaukee is where she was the happiest.
Visitation will be held on September 17, 2025, from 3pm to 5pm at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St., Holliston, MA. The family appreciates your love and support and will be holding a private service to celebrate Karen’s life. A future celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at 20 Prospect St, Milford, MA. 01757. or dana-farber.org A Mass in Karen’s name will be said on Sunday, October 5 at 11:30 AM at Saint Mary’s Church in Holliston.
