Karen Alina Anderson

Karen Alina Anderson

January 14, 1943 - March 2, 2025

Karen Alina Anderson passed away peacefully on March 2nd, at her home in Kinney Valley, surrounded by family.  She was 82 years young. 

Born in Maryland, Karen was the daughter of Edward and Miriam Pellinen and older sister to brothers Wayne and Richard. Early on, Karen’s family moved to Canterbury, CT to connect with others of Finnish heritage.

Karen was a voracious reader.  She would often be scolded as a child for reading under the covers late into the night.  She was an exceptional student and enjoyed cheerleading with her girlfriends for her alma mater, Griswold High School. In addition to meeting these lifelong girlfriends, it was in high school where she met her future husband of 48 years, Carl Anderson. She was the first in her family to attend college, the University of Connecticut, and was always a proud Husky. She hardly missed a basketball game, women’s and men’s, even watching her favorite team in the last days of her life. After graduation Karen began working in upstate New York, before returning to Glastonbury while Carl went to law school.  Eventually, they bought an 1800s farmhouse in Voluntown and began renovations.  Together they transformed the old farm into their personal oasis. 

Karen created a beautiful, welcoming home and property to raise their three children. She was a warm, demanding, yet patient mother to Christopher, Michael and Kate. She could always be counted on for late nights at the kitchen table checking homework, cheering at sporting events and being a reliable chauffeur. In the late 70s, Karen took on ownership and management of her in-laws’ establishment, Tamarack Lodge. She transformed a rustic motel into a welcoming resort and event venue where she witnessed and officiated numerous weddings. 

Karen always found a way to serve her community.  She was a strong advocate for public education, serving on the Voluntown Board of Education for over 13 years, and serving as its Chair.  Many nights were spent during budget season working to ensure that the children of Voluntown got the best education possible. In addition, Karen served on the Norwich Free Academy Board of Trustees, the William W. Backus Hospital Board, the Voluntown Democratic Town Committee, the Voluntown Library Board of Trustees, and the Voluntown Planning and Zoning Commission.   

Karen was passionate about her family and friends and loved to share her home and traditions with them. She was a devout crossword puzzler – specifically the New York Times Sunday crossword – which she would do every week, in pen! She loved traveling to Nantucket with friends, gardening, and animals of all kinds. She was most fond of her Australian Sheperds.  

Karen and her friends started a bread baking tradition in her home right before Thanksgiving nearly 50 years ago which continues to date. Teaching generations to bake bread in a beehive oven near a large fireplace is something that will carry on forever. She was particularly fond of Christmas and all its traditions.  She wove tremendous garlands from groundcover she foraged in the woods and was one of the very few who had not one, but two, Christmas trees! Over the years Karen hosted fabulous parties, she was an excellent cook who took her time preparing and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for her guests. Her roasts, roast beef hash and Sunday brunch specialties were a favorite to all.

Karen also instilled a lifelong love of Lake Winnipesaukee in her family. She began visiting Bear Island with her Uncle Hank and Aunt Vi at a young age and brought her children when they were born. To this date, dozens of family members visit each summer passing on her love of the lake to the next generations. She was fortunate to spend a week with her friend, Mary, at the lake last summer with her extended family. 

Karen’s warmth and care left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She’ll be forever missed by many dear friends and family including brother Richard Pellinen; her children and their spouses, Christopher and Marietta Anderson, Michael and Heather Anderson, Kate and Joseph Beauparlant; her grandchildren Michael, Grace Alina, Jon, Ellen, Ingrid, Tess, Lyla and Jake; and many loving nieces, nephews and relatives. 

We will all miss our gracious host, best friend, mentor, mother, sister, aunt and nana - and we will always cherish Karen’s natural ability to connect with people and make them feel heard and loved. 

Karen’s Celebration of Life will be held at Tamarack Lodge on April 5th at 3:00pm, where we hope to share our love for Karen and toast her with her favorite drink – a Perfect Manhattan. 

In lieu of flowers, please honor her memory with donations to: 

Finnish American Heritage Society

76 North Canterbury Road

P.O. Box 252

Canterbury, CT  06331

Aura Seura 

P.O. Box 403

Voluntown, CT 06384

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