Karen A. Dufort-Niemela

Karen A. Dufort-Niemela, 66, of Otter River, died unexpectedly Sunday, January 23, 2022, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

Born in Gardner on January 25, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Irene (Richards) Dufort. Karen worked as a Home Health Aide and a Preschool Teacher for several years.

Karen was a Friend of Bill W. Her greatest joy came when she was with her family, and her dog Klyspo. Karen enjoyed traveling with her grandchildren on vacation especially to the beaches on Cape Cod, shopping and working on crafts.

Karen is survived by her daughter Nicole Vachon and her significant other Erick of Gardner; a son Lawrence M. Dufort and his wife Donna of Springfield; three grandchildren, Ashley Talbot, Michael Dufort and Olivia Travis; four great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Austin, Amara and Julian; a brother, Jim Dufort and his wife Elaine of Florida; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband of 34-years, Philip C. Niemela, who died in 2017; and two brothers, Bob and Thomas Dufort.

Calling Hours will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at Green Bower Cemetery, Winter Street, Gardner, MA. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, National Direct Response Headquarters, PO Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020 or on their website at (www.lung.org). Please reference in memory of Karen A. Dufort-Niemela.