Karen P Carbonneau

In Loving Memory of Karen Carbonneau

Karen Carbonneau, an extraordinary woman whose presence made the world a softer, kinder place, passed away while on a trip to the Oregon coast on July 10, 2025. Karen was born to Charles and Lillian Cox on March 5,1952, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. After her formative years, she travelled throughout the U.S. with her husband and children. The places she called home were Moscow, Idaho and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Karen had a rare and beautiful gift—she made you feel at home with every hug. Her warmth wasn’t just comforting; it was transformative. To be in her presence was to be seen, valued, and cared for in a way that made you feel like you had been part of her family forever. She welcomed everyone with open arms, boundless compassion, and a listening heart. Karen loved her roles as wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Karen is survived by her husband, Richard Carbonneau. Their marriage was an everlasting partnership of mutual care—a quiet, steady love that stood as a model for all who knew them. Karen was an incredible mother and is survived by her three children and their families: Eric and Sharon Carbonneau, Aja and Mark Madrid Jr., and Kira Carbonneau and Alfred Sanchez III. Her love for her children was fierce, constant, and endlessly nurturing.

As a grandmother, Karen shone even brighter. She is survived by her grandchildren Luc Carbonneau, Ethan and Logan Madrid, and Asher and Autumn Carbonneau. Her grandchildren were the lights of her life. Her love and tenderness for them created lasting memories and joyful bonds with each of them. As the oldest sibling, Karen cared deeply for and supported her brothers and sisters whenever possible. She is survived by her siblings Elaine Colvin, Charles Cox Jr., Eileen Cox and James Cox.

Karen was a natural teacher and caregiver, bringing her knowledge, curiosity, and a hint of magic to all spaces in her life. Karen loved to nurture growth, from the flowers in her gardens to teaching children’s Baha’i classes. Karen’s faith was very important to her, and she was active in the Bahai community and served on the local Spiritual Assembly. In addition, Karen was genuinely invested in her communities, volunteering with food pantries, as well as, starting and hosting neighbor coffee groups to ensure those around her had a sense of belonging in our world. Karen had over 35 years of experience supporting the medical field from an emergency room secretary to a medical insurance specialist — Karen strived to make these complex environments sensible for all. Her legacy is one of kindness and compassion.

Karen made the world feel a little less lonely and a lot more loving. She gave freely of herself, always offering more than she had. Her home, like her heart, was open to all. Karen was the foundation of all her family’s successes. A solid foundation for Richard, and an unwavering advocate for her children and grandchildren. Her family’s ability to seek out new opportunities and grow as individuals was, in part, due to her constant love and support. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Feeding America honoring Karen’s commitment to care for others and ensuring that no one goes without. Feeding America Information: 161 North Clark Street, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601. Telephone number: 1-800-771-2303. Karen was an incredible woman. And though we mourn her deeply, we carry forward her spirit and celebrate the way she lived—with love, empathy, and the quiet power of making others feel truly at home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow and condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.com

Feeding America Information:
161 North Clark Street, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601 IL 60601
Tel: 1-800-771-2303
Web: https://www.feedingamerica.org