Karen was born in Biddeford on Dec. 8, 1955, the daughter of Charles and Sally Hussey. She grew up in the Sanford area, and attended area schools.
She retired early from her career at Hannaford corporate, where she was a training and development specialist, to pursue her passion of floral design working at Downeast Flowers in Sanford and Alfred.
In 1986, Karen and her husband Wayne bought their dream property in Springvale, where they spent many happy years pursuing their love of gardening and landscaping. Karen was a gifted gardener and artist who was accomplished in stained glass, quilting and many other art forms.
After many years in Springvale, Karen and Wayne purchased their perfect retirement home on Lake Arrowhead in 2004, where they dreamed of many years together enjoying their lake home and watching their children and grandchildren gather to swim, fish and play.
Tragically, Karen was struck down by a massive brain aneurysm in January 2006. She spent the next 10 years defeating all predictions and medical odds by courageously overcoming many massive physical and medical obstacles. Through her unending strength and courage, she blessed her family with 10 more years of beautiful memories shared with her. Karen was the epitome of a hero to all who knew her during this time.
Karen was preceded in death by: her first husband, Jacques (Joe) Cote, in 1978, her parents and her stepfather, Frank E. Higgins.
She is survived by: her loving husband and devoted partner of 30 years, Wayne Brickett; two daughters, Stephanie Cote and her husband Paul Riley of Florida and Shannon Holbert (Cote) and her husband Dan Holbert of Michigan; two step-sons, Jason Brickett and his wife Christine of Wells and Derek Brickett of Wells; six grandchildren, Morgan, Jack, Madeline, Jacqueline, Cailey and Griffin, who were her pride and joy; two brothers, Michael Higgins and Charles Hussey; a stepbrother, Frank E. Higgins Jr.; a step-sister, Constance Glenn; and many other extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to: Eric Brazier Memorial Fund c/o RiverRidge Rehabilitation Center, 3 Brazier Lane, Kennebunk, ME 04043.
A heartfelt thank you is given to the medical professionals who cared for Karen, and especially to the staff at RiverRidge Rehabilitation Center, who provided her (and her family) with such wonderful care for nearly 10 years.
Service details are to be announced at later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit blackfuneralhomes.com.
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