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Obituary

Karen Elaine Harland Feb. 7, 1947 – Dec.1, 2014 SUGAR HILL, NH. - Karen Elaine Harland of Sugar Hill, N.H., passed away on Dec. 1, 2014, at Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., following a long illness. Born Feb. 7, 1947, Karen cherished her family and memories made together, enjoyed travel, and loved the natural beauty of the White Mountains and New England's coast. Karen grew up in North Windam, surrounded by her extended family, including grandparents and cousins. Childhood summers were spent on Lake Hayward in Connecticut and traveling with her family to the White Mountains of New Hampshire and to Acadia in Maine. She spent most of her adult life in Voluntown. When both her daughters settled in New Hampshire, Karen moved north, first to Bethlehem and later to Sugar Hill, to be closer to them and, later, to her seven grandchildren, with whom she was very close. Karen's family and friends will remember her for her devotion to her family and her love of holiday gatherings. She loved decorating for the holidays and would make special decorations with the grandchildren. Her proudest life accomplishments were raising her daughters and being a well-loved Nana. She loved being a part of her grandchildren's lives and was very close to each of them, and especially to her grandsons in Sugar Hill, whom she took care of until they were old enough to attend school. During the last years of her life, Karen lived next door to her grandsons and spent lots of time with them, watching them learn and grow. Karen is survived by her daughter, Wendy Thayer, and son-in-law, Chris, of Sugar Hill, N.H., and their children, Tucker and Riley; daughter, Heather Wingate, and son-in-law, Mark, of New Durham, N.H., and their children Jacob, Greta, Noah, Joshua, and Ella; and her mother, Evelyn Smith, of Windham. A memorial service is planned for spring 2015. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Karen's name to The Watch Hill Conservancy, 56 Wells Street, Westerly, RI 02891.