Karen S. (Russell) Wallar

WORCESTER - Karen S. (Russell) Wallar, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester.

Born in Ironton, Ohio, Karen was the daughter of the late Edmund and Mabel (Ellis) Russell. She was raised in Columbus, Ohio, where she attended Columbus Public Schools and graduated from Walnut Ridge High School.

In 1986, Karen relocated to Worcester, Massachusetts, with her family, where they made their home. She began her career in banking, working in operations for Shawmut Bank, later Fleet Bank. An entrepreneur at heart, Karen went on to own and operate Mountain Country Gifts in Sterling and Super Scoops Ice Cream in Worcester. Most recently, she enjoyed serving her community as the Hall Manager and Bartender at the West Boylston American Legion Post 204, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Karen embraced life with a generous heart and a welcoming smile. She was an avid New England Patriots fan who rarely missed cheering on her team. She found joy in tending to her garden, preparing home-cooked meals for those she loved, and spending time with animals, especially her beloved dogs, Wiggy and Daphne, who were treasured members of her family. Karen also had a deep love for the holidays, cherishing the traditions that brought her family together year after year and creating warm, lasting memories for everyone she loved. Her home was always filled with warmth, and her door was forever open to family and friends, who knew they were always welcome to stop by. Compassionate, generous, and kind, Karen was always willing to lend a listening ear, offer support, and help others in whatever way she could.

Above all else, Karen's greatest happiness came from being surrounded by her family. She was a devoted mother, an incredibly proud grandmother, and the heart of every family gathering. Her cherished grandchildren, Rangeley and Roan, brought immeasurable joy to her life, and she treasured every moment spent making memories with them.

Karen leaves behind her loving children, Laura St. John and her husband, Jeffrey, of Charlton, and Howard Wallar, II. And his wife, Alissa of Worcester; her cherished grandchildren, Rangeley and Roan St. John; her former husband, Howard Wallar of Rutland; and her sister, Wilma Fairchild of Ohio. She was predeceased by her brothers, Gary, Michael, Richard, and Bill Russell.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Karen's family during a period of Calling Hours on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Karen's memory to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St, Worcester, MA 01606 or Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605