Karen Jane Vale, 78, passed away on July 18 at her home in Plymouth, MA after a battle with cancer.

Karen was born in Boston, MA, grew up in Stoughton, MA and graduated from Stoughton High School in 1966.

Karen dedicated herself in her career to making a difference in the lives of countless special needs kids in and around her hometown of Plymouth having worked for the Judco Bus company and as a teacher's aide at the Pilgrim Area Collaborative. Up until her very last days she spoke fondly of the kids, teachers, and parents she grew close to. And in her words, she loved and enjoyed all the kids, even the "fresh ones".

Surviving family members include her son Tim Vale and daughter-in-law Patti Vale of Guilford, CT and her much-adored grandchildren Kaitlyn Vale, Lyndsey Vale and Rachel Vale also of Guilford. She leaves behind two brothers-in-law Steven Vale and wife Sherry of Mansfield, MA and Michael Vale and wife Anne Marie of North Smithfield RI. Her two sisters-in-law Peggy DeBoy and husband Jim of Odenton MD and Maureen Keefe of Rockland MA.

She leaves behind a large group of nieces and nephews that she loved and enjoyed: Billy Burton, Bobby Wierling, Jenny Mailhiot, Missy Kane, Ricky Cox, Danny Cox, John DeBoy, Mark DeBoy, Kristen Caminiti, Kathleen Vale, Patrick Vale and Andrea Vale.

Predeceased family members are her son Brian Vale whom she loved dearly and missed every day since 1995. The wait has been so very long till now when she can rejoin him in heaven. Her husband Anthony "Dennis" Vale. Her sisters Judith Carr and Honey Cox and brother Ronald Wallace. Her parents Margaret (Wallace) Brinson and Percy Quinton. Her brother-in-law Tom Keefe, sister-in-law Mary Vale, mother-in-law Mary Vale, father-in-law Anthony "Duke" Vale, niece Elizabeth Vale and nephews Billy Wierling and Joseph Vale.

Calling hours will be from 4 – 6 pm on Tuesday July 29 at Bartlett Funeral Home in Plymouth and a Memorial Service at 10:30 am on Wednesday July 30 at Saint Kateri in Plymouth.

Karen's two favorite charities are St. Jude and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.