Karen J. Acheson passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, in Newland NC. She has joined the love of her life, her husband Tom, to be with God in his Heavenly kingdom.

Karen was the second child of Ernest and Frances Jary and was born in 1943. Karen has two brothers and two sisters; Don, John, Carol and Gayle. A third brother, Rick, passed away in 2007.

Karen grew up in Oxford, Massachusetts. She graduated from Oxford Memorial High School and then earned her degree from Catherine Laboure School of Nursing in Boston, MA. After graduation, she and some friends headed on a great adventure to San Francisco, CA to begin their nursing careers. It was in San Francisco that she would meet a young US Navy Lieutenant, Lieutenant Thomas R. Acheson, who would later become her husband. Karen and Tom lived in St. Petersburg, FL for many years, enjoying being close to loved ones as they raised a family of their own. Later, Karen and Tom fulfilled their dream to retire to the mountains of North Carolina. They made their home in Linville Falls, a place Karen dearly loved and lived for nearly thirty years.

Karen leaves behind her four children, Sheila, Pamela, Daniel, and Brian; as well as seven grandchildren. Karen had another child, Margaret, who died shortly after birth.

We remember Karen, not only for her kind, loving nature, but for who she was and what she loved to do. Karen's cherished memories were of times spent relaxing and having fun with family and friends. Whether taking in the music and beautiful surroundings of the Linville Falls Winery, joining in the fun and games of family picnics, or entertaining friends and family with wonderful dinners filled with laughter; Karen just really enjoyed having friends and family around.

We will miss these things that made her who and what she was. She is in many
ways, a part of us and cannot be forgotten. We will miss her always.

Online condolences may be sent to the Acheson family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service in charge of the arrangements.