Karen Janet Brackett

SCARBOROUGH – Karen Janet Brackett, 69, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2024, at Maine Medical Center, with family by her side. She was born in Biddeford on April 21, 1955, to the late Bernard and Janet (Hanning) Brackett and attended Saco Schools.

After high school, Karen went to hairdressing school and became a beautician and barber. She was known for doing hair for family and friends and specializing in services for her elderly clientele. In the 2000s, she opened a salon out of her home called Black Point Hair Designs and continued taking clients until her health declined. Karen was known for her straightforward, black-and-white approach. You never had to question what was on her mind.

Karen’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her son Shawn, whom she lovingly referred to as her “Dumplin,” and being a Grammy to her four grandchildren, who she was always so proud of. Getting to watch her granddaughter, Katie, graduate just a few weeks before her passing was one of her proudest moments.

You could always find Karen at the local racetracks cheering on her son and, most recently, her grandsons. Her devotion at the track didn’t stop with just her immediate family. She would loudly sit and cheer for all her “boys” who Karen loved and, along with their families, became her extended family.

Karen, also a very skilled cook, was cherished for one or another classic recipe that she would make for any of her loved ones. Passing on some of her favorite recipes to her granddaughter and daughter-in-law to keep her memory alive.

Karen was predeceased by her sister, Jenny Brackett and brother, Dennis Brackett.

She is survived by her partner of nearly 40 years, Robert Peary Jr.; her son, Shawn Brackett and his wife Kayla of Scarborough; her grandchildren, Mason, Matthew, Katie, and Thomas Brackett; her sisters Barbie Poitras and her husband David of Saco, and Diana Brackett of Saco, her brothers Johnny Brackett of Florida, and James Brackett of Biddeford; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 18, 5 to 7 p.m., at Conroy Tully Walker in South Portland.