Karen E. (Oberg) Remi

WORCESTER – Karen E. (Oberg) Remi, 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. 

Born and raised in Holden, Karen was the daughter of Ralph and Mary F. (Kenney) Oberg and had made her home in Worcester for the past 49 years.

 She leaves behind her loving husband of 48 years, Ralph A. Remi; her daughter, Melissa L. Gagnon and her husband, Richard, of Athol; her son, Scott R. Remi of Grafton; her brother, Edward Oberg and his wife, Ginny, of Holden; three cherished grandchildren, Jessica, Nicholas, and Aidan; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her life long friend Janet, the two met in high school and remained in touch throughout the years.

 Karen was a 1971 graduate of Wachusett Regional High School in Holden. She worked for 17 years at Leroux Meats and Deli in Holden, and previously held clerical positions at Norton Company and the former Denholm’s Department Store, both in Worcester. She was extremely passionate about bowling with her husband Ralph. They were league members at Auburn Ten Pin for numerous years and also coached youth leagues. Karen was excited when NASCAR season arrived. She would be sitting at the TV, cheering on her favorite driver. She also watched American Idol every single week it was on. Streaming old-time movies had become their new watching pleasure and she would recall actors' names when Ralph couldn’t remember. In recent years Karen enjoyed going to the Worcester Senior Center for coloring and crafts.

 A devoted cat lover, Karen had many feline companions over the years. Her recent companion Norman, already misses her dearly. A parrot named Leo was also her talking (but mostly squawking) friend for over 30 years. Most of all, she treasured time spent with her family—especially during the holidays.

 She will be remembered for her warm sense of humor and unwavering devotion to those she loved. 

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Karen’s family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral service honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, at the funeral home, followed by interment at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NEADY Cats, a no-kill cat shelter, P.O. Box 213, West Boylston, MA 01583, or online at www.neadycats.org.