Dr. Karen Ann Dunphy

Dr. Karen Ann Dunphy, passed away peacefully at home, in the loving care of her family on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Karen was born in Bossier City, LA on July 3, 1963 the daughter of Philip E. and Elizabeth (Walsh) Dunphy.

She was a dedicated scientist working in breast cancer research for over twenty years at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She truly loved being a research scientist; being able to pass on her knowledge to the smartest of students brought her great satisfaction. Her works have been published in various journals and she was highly respected in the field of cancer research.

In her world outside of the lab and classroom, she was most proud of her family and the love of her life, husband Scott. Seeing her children and grandchildren grow and explore the world around them brought her immense joy and pride. Her faith in God supported her and gave her great strength. She loved the outdoors, camping, reading, horseback riding, her dogs, and animals of all kinds. She had artistic creativity that can be admired in her drawings and paintings as well as inspirational painted stones she left wherever she traveled on her horse. 

Karen gave her heart to all she endeavored to undertake , all that she believed, and all whom she loved. She was a brilliant, strong, and beautiful woman who was taken much too soon. 

She will be deeply missed by her loving mother Elizabeth, her devoted and cherished husband Scott Decker, daughter Heather Terry (Luke Nugent) of Greenfield, daughter Kathleen Terry (Mathieu Lafleur) of Agawam, step-children Noah Decker (Jen Murphy) of Ashfield, Leah Decker (Daniel Quigley) of Boulder, CO, Meghann Decker (Bryan Pattersen) of Hilo, Hawaii, granddaughters Shannon, Elizabeth and Madeline, sisters Patricia (Michael) Dunphy-Sider, Kimberley Dunphy, Theresa (Jason) Machan, and brother Brian (Melissa) Dunphy, nieces Meaghan and Keira, nephews Thomas and Liam, and a multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Karen also leaves behind her beloved Buckskin quarter horse Dusty whom she affectionately called "her golden boy”.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Sat., Oct. 19 at 11:00 am at the Holy Family Catholic Church, 29 Sugarloaf St., S. Deerfield. Committal prayers will follow at the family homestead in Conway. 

A visitation will be held prior to the Mass in the church from 9:30 to 10:30.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial contributions be made to www.ACPMP.org, a cancer research foundation.

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