Karen P.

Houghton

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karen P. Houghton, who departed this life unexpectedly at the age of 61 on January 24, 2025. Born in Chelsea, Karen was the cherished daughter of Daniel V. O'Callaghan and the late Rosalie A. (Adams) O'Callaghan. One of seven siblings, she grew up in a loving and close-knit family that laid the foundation for the remarkable woman she would become.
Karen attended The Assumption Parochial School and graduated from St. Rose High School in 1981. Her commitment to education led her to Fitchburg State College, followed by North Shore Community College, where she earned her Associate's Degree in Nursing. This achievement marked the beginning of a devoted career in healthcare, where she touched countless lives.
In a loving partnership that spanned over three decades, Karen married Robert Houghton on March 3, 1991. Together, they raised two devoted sons, Rob and Kyle, who were, along with her husband, the absolute joy of her life. A former resident of Chelsea, she had resided in West Peabody for the past 32 years, where she created a warm and inviting home where Karen was an unwavering pillar of love and support.
Throughout her nursing career, Karen demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to her patients. She began as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home. After obtaining her Registered Nurse designation, she further advanced her career at the Deaconess Hospital Oncology Department and most recently, in the Maternity Department at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston.
Beyond her professional life, Karen was a woman of many passions. She delighted in the joy of Broadway Musicals and had a deep appreciation for show tunes and classic music. Karen can be fondly remembered for her ability to entertain, annually hosting classic movie nights where friends gathered to reminisce and sing along. She was a devoted family party planner, ensuring that family and friends came together during holidays and Super Bowl Watch Parties, filling their lives with warmth and laughter. Furthermore, Karen cherished her travels, traveling abroad, enjoying ocean cruises, and visiting Disney World, where she created lasting memories with her loved ones.
She was not only a devoted wife and mother but also a cherished friend, admired for her compassion and care across her vast network of nursing colleagues, old high school friends, the Peabody ladies, and family.  Without asking Karen was always there to help and support anyone she saw in need.

Karen leaves behind her loving husband of 32 years, Robert Houghton. Her devoted sons Rob Houghton of Somerville and Kyle Houghton of West Peabody.
In addition to her husband and sons, Karen is survived by her father, Daniel V. O'Callaghan of West Peabody; her siblings: Daniel V. O'Callaghan and his wife Pat of Xenia, OH, Diane M. Douglas and her husband Paul of McDonough, GA, Jean A. Monahan and her husband Brian of Londonderry, NH, Joseph P. O'Callaghan and his wife Donna of East Hampstead, NH, Kevin J. O'Callaghan and his wife Julie of Fremont, NH, and Kathleen R. Piotte of Plaistow, NH., along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family members, and friends, all of whom will miss her dearly and will forever remember her kindness, compassion, and unwavering support.

Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Friday, January 31st from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  Funeral from the Welsh Funeral Home on Saturday, February 1st at 9:00 A.M. Followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of Grace Church 59 Nichols St. Chelsea at 10:00 A.M.  Services will conclude with committal prayers at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Karen's name may be made to the American Heart Assoc., 93 Worcester St, Wellesley, MA 02481
https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give