Karen M. (McGillicuddy) May

Karen M. May, 79, of West Roxbury, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 1st, at the Deutsches Altenheim German Home in West Roxbury. Born in Boston on May 20, 1945, Karen dedicated her life to caring for others and was known for her deep compassion, warmth, and strength.

Karen graduated from the prestigious Boston Children’s Hospital Nursing School, where she honed her skills and commitment to helping children. She worked as a pediatric nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital for 15 years, providing comfort and care to countless young patients and their families. Her nurturing spirit touched the lives of many, and her colleagues admired her unwavering dedication to her profession.

Karen had a deep love of Boston and lived on Church Street in West Roxbury for 47 years with her husband Donald. This past February they had celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary after first meeting in Newport Rhode Island back when she was a nursing student and he was attending Officer Candidate School for the U.S. Navy. 

Despite enduring pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis that cut her nursing career short, she never complained, demonstrating a strength that inspired so many who came into contact with her. Her resilience was matched by her love for life’s simple joys. Karen had an abiding love for the ocean, spending her summers growing up in Green Harbor and, later, enjoying cherished times in Scituate and West Dennis. Equally, she found peace and joy in the mountains, spending wonderful years with her family at Thistle Hill and Cabot, Vermont.

She took great pleasure in life’s quiet moments—whether it was the warmth of candles, the glow of a fire during a snowstorm, or the joy of decorating for each season and holiday. Karen was someone everyone turned to for a sympathetic ear. Even her sons' friends and her many nieces and nephews came to her to share their pains, joys, and sorrows, drawn to her compassionate and understanding nature.

Karen’s passion for helping others extended far beyond her nursing career. She was always there to support anyone in her extended circle when they faced difficult times, offering love, strength, and quiet wisdom. Her legacy of kindness will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to know her.

A devoted wife, mother, sister, and aunt, Karen leaves behind her beloved husband of 55 years, Donald May; her two cherished sons, Jared and Joshua May; her sister, Jane McGillicuddy; her brother, Pat McGillicuddy; and nine loving nieces and nephews.  Karen was predeceased by her loving parents, Daniel and Marie McGillicuddy, and her beloved sister, Marianne Cashman. Karen’s family meant everything to her, and she took great pride in nurturing and supporting them throughout her life.

A viewing will be held in the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury, on Thursday, September 5th, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral mass to celebrate Karen's life will take place at Holy Name Church 1689 Centre St, West Roxbury at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 6th.

Karen will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends, and her legacy of love and care will live on in all those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers please consider giving to the Child Life Services at Boston Children’s Hospital in memory of Karen M. May. 

Contributions can be made at www.bostonchildrens.org/giveinmemory Or mail checks, payable to Boston Children's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301. Please include Karen May’s name in the memo line.