Karen Marlene Gates Waterman, 78 passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday July 20th with her family and beloved golden doodle, Betty, at her bedside. Karen was born in Medford, MA to wonderful parents Ralph and Betty Gates. She was a beloved sister of Nancy Hanright of California, predeceased Sandra Martines of Yarmouth, Melody Littles of Taunton, brother Ralph 'Buddy' Gates of Florida. Karen was born in Medford, MA, raised mostly in Bedford, MA, until moving to Malden where she excelled and graduated from Malden High School.

Karen was a very proud Mom of three daughters, the late Criston McNeil, Cynthia 'Cindy' Mancini, and Karen 'Kay' Ritchie. After many years as a single, strong, independent woman she finally met the love of her life, the late Peter Cary Waterman. Karen and Peter married in 1996 in the backyard of their cherished home on Cape Cod. They enjoyed their Cape Cod life together while exploring walking, and biking trails, kayaking, bird watching and of course, sitting for cocktail hour in their yard.

Karen worked for many years both on and off cape as an ophthalmic technician. Her patients always appreciated her kind ways and her colleagues admired her high intelligence and expertise in the field.

Karen was a very talented and creative artist. Drawing, painting, sewing; her skills and talents were endless. She was an avid gardener and wood worker. She loved a good 'trash find' where she would repair, refinish, repurpose, reuse furniture or who knows what! Karen was often found with a tool in her hand and paint on her pants, always working on some kind of project while planning the next one.

She kept herself sharp with daily and complex sudoko puzzles. It's a wonder she ever had time to do all the Amazon shopping that she did!

Karen was a great friend, cousin, sibling, and aunt to so many and will be missed by so many. She loved her family and friends very much. She was a very proud grandmother of Timothy Clark, predeceased Cassandra Withers, Zachary Mancini, Scott Withers, Matthew Mancini and Brooke Withers, as well as two bonus granddaughters Tasha and Lydia Waterman. She will be missed by many and remain in our hearts forever.