Karen A. (Baldwin) Scott

Karen A. Scott (Baldwin), age 74, a life-long resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Karen was born on April 21, 1949, in Winchester, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Charles and Annie Baldwin and the eldest of four siblings.  Karen was raised and educated at the "Jones Ave. Compound" in Wilmington where just about everyone was family.  She was a graduate of Wilmington High School with the Class of 1967 and she made many long-time friends throughout her life.  Karen learned responsibility at a young age when her mom passed; she would help her dad with her younger siblings and household chores.  Karen was always willing to give a hand; she loved her family and would do anything for them.

Karen married the "love of her life" John Scott in 1970 at St. Dorothy's Church; the couple made their home in Wilmington and were thrilled to become parents to Kevin and Heather.  Unfortunately time was not on their side as John was diagnosed with cancer early on in their marriage and following his passing she too became a single mom to her children; putting her own grief aside.  Karen as always faced another challenge head on with an upbeat and positive outlook and became the best mom that anyone could wish for.  Karen's children were the center of her universe and she made sure to let them know they were loved.  Karen was always there to "root them on" as they played sports or were involved in their many school activities; she was so proud of the adults that they became and she was and always will be their biggest fan.  Then came Karen's role as "Grammie" to her Johnny; he was the light of her life and she never missed an opportunity to spend time with "her boy" he was everything that was right in the world.

Karen loved her home; she enjoyed entertaining and her door was always open to family, friends, and neighbors.  Her neighborhood was a great place for her to raise her children; they always watched out for each other, they ate together and they truly enjoyed each others company.  Karen considered them more than neighbors they were her "extended family" who she truly loved and they loved her.

Karen had a great work ethic no matter what she was involved in; she took a position as a "office secretary" for the Spring Manufacturing Company many years ago but she was so much more than a secretary.  Karen was a problem solver, a great listener, a good worker, and a loyal friend to many of her co-workers.

In her spare time, Karen enjoyed gardening, heading to the beach, dipping her feet in the ocean, going out with her family and friends, or hanging out with her grandson.  She treasured the time she spent this past winter on the ocean in Plum Island with Kevin, Heather and their families; they made countless memories to hang on to.  

Karen was a woman of great faith and an active communicant at St. Dorothy's Church throughout her life; it has been her faith along with her upbeat and positive attitude that has sustained her through many trials she has had to face.

Karen will be fondly remembered for her quiet strength, her positivity, and her "can do" attitude.  She never let her illness get the best of her and she lived her life to the fullest in spite of her challenges.  Karen's smile was as infectious as her laugh and her heart was always open to others; her passing has left a void in so many lives and she will forever be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Karen was the beloved wife of the late John D. Scott, devoted mother of Kevin Scott and his wife Shireen of Newburyport and Heather Godinho and her husband Frank of Tewksbury.  Loving “Grammie” of John Joseph Godinho, who was the light of her life.  Cherished daughter of the late Charles and Annie (Lynch) Baldwin, dear sister of Kenneth Baldwin and his wife Lorna of Maine, the late Keith “Harvey” Baldwin and his wife Carol Baldwin of Greenfield, NH, and Kim Baldwin of Wilmington.  Special aunt of Tyler, Sheena, Hannah, Sam, and great-aunt of Bella, Cole, Clara, and Oliver.  Karen is survived by her cousin and best friend Janice Baldwin of Wilmington, as well as many wonderful cousins and friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Monday, November 20th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington, MA, at 10:00 a.m.  Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.  Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday, November 19th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Karen’s memory to the Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA  01854 or to the High Pointe Hospice House, 360 North Ave., Haverhill, MA  01830.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com