Judith E. Karlsson

SHREWSBURY/HOLDEN – Judith (Swanson) Karlsson, 77, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, at Marlborough Hills Rehabilitation and Health Center.

She is survived by her devoted husband of forty years, Peter Karlsson of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; her daughter, Kristen Kenney and her husband David of Bolton, Connecticut; and her son, Michael Berard and his wife Sarah of Avon, Connecticut. She was the proud and loving "Grammy" to her four grandchildren: Isabel and Abigail Kenney, and Anna and Nicholas Berard.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on September 30, 1948, Judy was the daughter of the late Nils “Fred” Swanson and Edith (Krauskas) Swanson. She graduated from North High School in Worcester, earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Massachusetts, and worked as a teacher before starting her family.

Judy settled in Holden, where she built a life centered on home and community. She had a zest for life, loved to laugh, and was chasing the perfect camera shot decades before it became trendy, but she will likely be best remembered for her extraordinary baked goods and specialty cocktails. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, and she took immense joy in hosting family and nurturing friendships that lasted decades. Cape Cod also held a special place in her heart and became a gathering place rich with annual summer traditions, where friends became family. In earlier years, Judy was a gifted and prolific needleworker, creating beautiful pieces with precision and care before arthritis limited her hobby. Later in life, Judy and Peter loved to travel and enjoyed cruising several times per year, where they explored wonderful destinations and forged new friendships. Her legacy of warmth, hospitality, and perfectly baked treats will be cherished by all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. www.milesfuneralhome