Karen J. (Nowacki) Anastas

Of Savin Hill, died peacefully at home on January 18, 2024 with her family by her side. Karen fought a courageous battle against cancer for three years. She was 52 years old. 

Karen was the beloved wife and lifelong best friend of Robert (Jake) Anastas and the loving mother of Owen, Madison, and Peyton Anastas.

Karen was born on August 9, 1971, and was the cherished daughter of Patricia (Walsh) Nowacki and the late John Nowacki.

Sister of Linda Nowacki-Bowen and her husband Arthur Bowen of Estero, FL (formerly Bridgewater, MA), Thaddeus Nowacki and longtime partner Ann Marie Cosgrove of Randolph, Christine and her husband Ralph Andrea of Middleboro, Catherine Nowacki and her wife Trina Alexknovitch of Brockton, Michael and his wife Maureen (Clougher) Nowacki of West Bridgewater, and Paul Nowacki and his wife Diane (Kinteris) Nowacki of Taunton.

She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Shawn Calter, Bridget Cedrone, Theresa Nowacki, Jessica Nowacki, Michael Nowacki Jr., and Marina Nowacki as well as great nieces and nephews Jackson Calter, Camden Calter, Samantha Calter, and soon-to-be Adelyn Cedrone.

Karen’s early years were spent on Taft Street in Dorchester, attending local schools and graduating from Monsignor Ryan Memorial (MRM) High School in 1989.  From there, she worked at the Department of the Navy for many years, forging lifelong bonds with her coworkers there.  

Karen and Jake met in their teenage years and have spent 38 beautiful years together. They worked very hard to provide for their children and were able to buy their first home together in Savin Hill in 2011. It has served as a place for so many gatherings with family and friends and her constant joyous presence will be incredibly missed. 

She brought three beautiful children into this world and spent much of her time raising them to become the wonderful human beings that they are today. Some of her favorite memories of her children were going to their sports games and events, always sitting in the front row with the biggest smile on her face. 

When she wasn’t busy taking care of her children, Karen loved to spend time relaxing at the pool or lounging in the hammock. She also treasured all the time that she spent with her lifelong friends, especially the weekends that they would spend together. 

Karen was always the first one to be there when someone needed help, embodying the selfless spirit that she carried with her each and every day. In true Karen spirit, even in her last days with us, she made sure that everyone around her was taken care of and always put others' needs before hers. 

Throughout the last three years of battling cancer, Karen showed exceptional strength and tenacity. She faced every challenge head-on and never gave up, no matter how difficult it got. She was and continues to be a true inspiration to all of us.

Karen and the entire family would also like to express the most sincerest gratitude to everyone who lent a helping hand over the last few years, it would not have been possible to get through this without all of the support. 

Although she has left us far too soon, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and who loved her.  

Family and friends will honor and remember Karen’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the Murphy Funeral Home, 1020 Dorchester Ave., DORCHESTER, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Margaret Church of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish on Thursday morning, January 25^th, at 11:00 A.M.

Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester.

In lieu of flowers, please visit anastasfamilymemorial.com to make a donation.