Karen “Kay” McPherson, 72 August 27, 1951 - October 16, 2023

SALEM, NH – Karen “Kay” McPherson, 72, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 16th at the Salem Haven Nursing Home surrounded by family.

Karen was born in Amesbury on August 27, 1951 to the late Karl E. and the late Doris (LeDuc) Busch. She was raised in Newton, NH and had very fond memories of her earlier years on the Busch Family Farm, which she continued to share with everyone until the very end. Karen was a proud farmer’s daughter and that hard work ethic followed her throughout her life.  Karen was a graduate of Sanborn Regional High School, Class of 1969.  After high school Karen worked at UFP Technologies in Georgetown, MA, and then went on to work as a housekeeper, owning her own business cleaning local businesses and houses around the Merrimack Valley. However, nothing came close to the joy and love that she had for raising her family, being with her family, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Karen had 3 children – Scott, Justin and Lindsey- whom she shared with Thomas McPherson, and those children were the light of her life. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and there will be a hole in our hearts where her beautiful soul once was. She had a special way of making each holiday magical for everyone that surrounded her.

Karen, or “Kay” as she was lovingly known as, was loved by more than most people get to experience in a lifetime.  Her infectious smile & larger than life heart was a gathering place for anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.  She had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room and loving everyone as if they were family, that was just Karen’s way.  She wore her heart proudly on her sleeve.  Thank you to all for loving our Mom and showing her patience, grace and kindness.

Karen is survived by her son Scott T. McPherson and his wife Susan, of Nashua, NH, son Justin R. McPherson and his wife Inia, of Nokomis, FL and her daughter Lindsey K. Olenio and her husband Christopher of Hampstead, NH.  Noni Kay will be greatly missed by her grandchildren Maggie, Paige, Emma, Maddox and Landon McPherson, and Grace and Adeline Olenio; great grandchildren Rosie and Levi Murphy; as well as her sister Linda Busch and brother Edward Busch, both of Newton, NH.  She was predeceased by her sister Karla St. Laurent of Newton, NH and her longtime partner Michael Brown of Salem, NH. 

The McPherson and Olenio families would like to take this time to acknowledge some special people, whom without them; Karen would not have remained in the community as long as she did which was her ultimate goal.  To Dickie Field, who stepped up to take care of Mom when her decline was more than one could handle themselves – we are forever indebted to your big heart.  To Maureen Eaton, who was one of Kay’s longest friends and never gave up on her, always showed up when needed, especially at the end when things got increasingly difficult as the disease progressed.  Thank you to Bill Pitocchelli at Salem Haven, for making the transition into the facility as seamless as possible.  To all of the staff at Salem Haven, but most importantly to Mom’s second floor nurse Phyllis.  We don’t know how we would have gotten through this without you. We are forever grateful for knowing you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing her love and compassion this last year.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, October 26 from 4PM until 7PM, followed by a funeral home chapel service at 7PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill.  In lieu of Flowers, please consider making donations in Karen McPherson’s memory to the Silverthorne Facility, 23 Geremonty Dr, Salem, NH 03079. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com.