Karen Brzezinski Obituary

Karen A. Brzezinski
1952 - 2026
Southwick
Karen Ann Brzezinski,73 of Southwick died on Wednesday February 18,2026 at Baystate Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts. Karen and her husband of over 44 years, Thomas Charles Brzezinski (predeceased) raised their family in Southwick, Massachusetts. Karen leaves daughter Veronica J. Bressem, her husband Andrew Bressem and grandson Taj Bressem of Southwick and she leaves son Stephen J. Brzezinski, wife Colleen Burke and grandchildren Cailin Brzezinski and Cian Brzezinski all of Southwick. Karen leaves brother Victor Henry and partner Evelyn Ferrell of Dorchester, New Hampshire and niece Renee Rafuse, husband Joe and their children Abbie and Hunter. There was also brother Roger Henry (predeceased), sister-in-law Lorri Henry, nephew Matthew Henry and his wife Katie of New Hampshire and their children. Sister Jeni Henry (predeceased) of Bradenton Florida. There are also many cousins, aunts and uncles that are part of the cherished family tree. Karen Ann Brzezinski (Henry) was born in Flint, Michigan at Flint Osteopathic Hospital on November 10, 1952 to Robert A Henry and Shirley Jean Lare. She was brought home to Buick Street in Flint and the family later moved to a new house on Maple Street in New Lothrop. Dad Robert and mom Shirley expanded the house with a second floor and there was the addition of the 3 siblings to the family. Karen was educated in New Lothrop and graduated from New Lothrop High School as part of the National Honor Society in 1970. She spent the summers with her siblings working on the Show Boat and visiting family with her best friend and cousin Tess. Karen would go on to meet her future husband Tomas Brzezinski while on her Senior Class trip in Daytona Beach and he was on spring break from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
The couple were married in 1976 in Westfield, MA. Tom and Karen both worked at Old Colony Envelope Company at the same time for a short period. The couple started their family on Birchwood Road in Southwick with daughter Veronica and son Stephen. At that time Karen did babysitting when the kids were young. They would move to the home on College Highway in Southwick. Together they would remodel and make it their own. She had a knack for confection and for a time would sell homemade chocolates using her own recipes and designs. She would work for Putnam Family Farm and then eventually retire. She enjoyed singing in the choir at Southwick Congregational Church where the church became a big part of Karen's life. She would spend time with her sister Jeni in the choir and make numerous lifelong friends. Additional pieces of church community life would include guiding families with weddings and funerals and assisting with the church's memorial gifts. She even got her husband Tom to assist with putting together the monthly Gold Dome. She enjoyed crocheting blankets and loved to give them as gifts. Ceramics and slate painting would also be requested of Karen. She was the coordinator for the family's annual Christmas candy making. Antique collecting was a hobby that was shared with Karen and Tom. They would spend time going to Brimfield Antique Show every year looking for hidden treasures, especially Karen's hat pins. Karen's Hatpin and Hatpin holder collection would allow her to join a collector society and give speaking programs on the subject. Being called Nana by her 3 grandchildren and spending time with them made her very happy. She captured many great memories in photos to share. She was a bird lover and cultivated her flower garden for the pollinators. Forever taking pictures, she would use the photos to make cards and spread joy. The hummingbirds and woodpeckers and dragon fly were used in a lot of photos and for slate designs. A multitude of family and friends will remember and miss Mrs. B at church, at Christmas time for the annual cards, or just the random phone call. A memorial service will take place at 11:00AM, Saturday May 16, 2026 at the Southwick Congregational UCC, 488 College Hwy, in Southwick . Calling hours will take place from 4-7PM, on Friday May 15, 2026 at the Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation , 624 College Hwy, Southwick. Gifts can be sent to Southwick Congregational Church Po Box 260 Attn: Memorial Gifts: Southwick, MA 01077. www.forastiere.com