Ms. Karen Marie Keen

Karen Marie Keen passed away on January 9, 2026, in New Orleans, lovingly cared for by her only son, Joseph Keen. Born on March 13, 1952, Karen was a lifelong resident of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, until 2022, when she moved to New Orleans to be closer to her son and his family. A graduate of Pittsfield High School, she went on to earn her nursing degree and became one of the first nurses in Pittsfield to complete her training while managing Type 1 diabetes - a condition she expertly managed since age 8. Karen was a fiercely devoted mother to her beloved son, Joseph, supporting him and feeling immense pride in all he accomplished. She traveled to visit him wherever he lived—including Alaska, Colorado, Maine, California, Seattle, Atlanta, and finally New Orleans, where he now lives with his wife, Megan, and their three children: Rhodes (12), Sander (10), and Clayton (10). To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “Noni. She was a dedicated and loving daughter to George and Mary Intelisano, who preceded her in death, as well as her older brother, Georgie Intelisano and sister-in-law Maureen Intelisano. Her youngest brother, David Intelisano, is her only surviving sibling, along with her niece, Kelly (Tim) and nephews, David (Brittanie) Mark (Trisha). She is also survived by her longtime companion, James Salvatore, with whom she enjoyed many trips to Maine and Saratoga, and who provided loving support until the very end. Karen dedicated her life to caring for others, serving as a nurse at Berkshire Medical Center for 50 years. Known for her crisp white traditional nurse’s hat and skirt, and a tough, but compassionate bedside manner, she left a lasting impression on everyone she cared for. She was also renowned for her Italian cooking—especially her lasagna, meatballs and sauce, cheesecake, and famous Italian cookies. Karen will be deeply missed by her friends and family. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Karen will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10am at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be directly prior to the service, from 8am to 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Ms. Karen Marie Keen

March 13, 1952 - January 9, 2026