Karen Ripley

Karen Elizabeth Ripley, 73, of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully after a yearlong battle with dementia, on September 17, 2026.

Karen was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts on March 4,1953. She spent her entire life in North Attleboro and eventually raised her own family in the same childhood home she loved so dearly. Her house was so much more than just a dwelling. It was a place where family gathered, memories were made, and everyone who walked through her door was made to feel loved, welcomed, and cared for.

Before retiring in 2024, Karen worked for many years as a home health care worker at BETA Community Partnerships. There, she built lasting bonds with those she cared for and formed friendships with coworkers. Caring for others came naturally to Karen, and she carried that same compassion and devotion into every part of her life.

Karen found joy in life’s simple pleasures- watching movies, having her grandkids sleepover, reading books, doing puzzles, talking with the people she loved on the phone, cooking and baking, and most importantly spending time with her loved ones. She especially cherished the traditions of Thanksgiving and Christmas. A time in which she would fill her home with family, love, laughter, and delicious food. Her specialties were traditional Swedish dishes, prepared using her mother’s recipes. She was happiest when her house was full of the people she loved most.

Karen had a heart of gold and loved largely, deeply and generously. She would genuinely do anything for the people she cared about and always went above and beyond to make sure those around her felt loved, supported, and cared for. Karen will be remembered for the genuine and amazing person she was. Her love was expressed not only through all that she did for others, but through the warmth and comfort people felt simply by being in her presence. Her home, her cooking, her laughter, her traditions, and most importantly, her love will live on through the family she cherished so deeply.

Karen was a devoted “Noni” who took immense pride in her six beautiful grandchildren. Each of which held a unique & significant place in her heart. She especially enjoyed watching them participate in their beloved hobbies & sports. One of her greatest joys was watching her grandson Leo play football for North Attleboro from 2017-2022. Followed up by her grandson Ali, who began playing football for Attleboro in 2023, and continues to play to this day. Her grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life. The love she had for each one of them was unconditional, wholehearted, and immeasurable.

Karen is survived by her children, Heather Ripley and her partner Leo Larocque of North Attleboro. Tayla Ripley and her partner Ali Kruja Jr. of Attleboro. She also leaves behind the grandchildren she loved so dearly: Rylan Larocque, Sienna Ripley, Ava Kruja, Ali Kruja III, and Lowen Kruja. She is also survived by her niece, Gretchen Smith and her angel husband Chris Smith of Johnston, and her nephew Danny Seguin and his wife Katia of Mooresville, North Carolina. Karen also leaves behind many extended family members and loved ones, who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Karen was predeceased by her husband Walter “Skip” Ripley Jr. Or as she lovingly called him Skippah, her father Robert A. Seguin, her mother Vivian Seguin, her brother Robert A. Seguin Jr. and his wife Jacqueline Seguin.

Karen is also predeceased by her beautiful grandson Leo Romeo Larocque. In 2024 Leo passed away at the tender age of 15, after an arduous battle with cancer. Though Karen had to say goodbye to Leo far too soon, we find comfort in knowing that they are together again. We imagine Leo welcoming his Noni into Heaven, where she can once again watch over him, cheer him on, and never have to say goodbye.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Visitation on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Duffy-Poule Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro, Massachusetts. A Memorial Service celebrating Karen’s life will immediately follow visitation at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be private.
In Lieu of flowers we urge you to make a contribution to a non-profit organization that helps children fighting cancer. One that is near and dear to our family’s heart is Swirls Around the World. You can find out more information and donate at http://www.SwirlsAroundTheWorld.org .

Though our hearts will be forever broken by her absence, we will carry Karen with us in every family gathering, every holiday tradition, every recipe, every story, and every moment when we feel the love she gave us so freely.

Until we meet again Mom/Noni, you were loved more than words could ever say, and you always will be. Thank you for being “my best”, it was an honor.