Karen Joy (Levins) Albert

Karen Joy (Levins) Albert, age 62, of Newton, MA passed away from a three-year battle with ovarian cancer. Karen leaves the "love of her life," husband Jason Albert of Newton, MA; treasured stepsons Justin Albert of Newton, MA and Julian Albert of Cambridge, MA. Karen also leaves her dear mother Henrietta Lee Levins of Sarasota, FL. She was predeceased by her father, Marvin Allen Levins, and brother, Myles Scott Levins. She will be very much missed by all who knew her and remembered by her many, devoted family and friends as an extraordinarily kind, warm, empathic, and loving person with a great sense of humor. She often deferred her needs for the sake of others and would rather talk about your life than hers. As one friend described her, "she was a woman of class and abundant grace, a sensitive soul whose goodness shone through whatever she did."

Karen grew up in West Hartford, CT, graduating from Watkinson School in 1977. Moving to Boston, Karen graduated from Pine Manor College, with an AA ('79), Simmons University, with a BA ('82); and Lesley University with an MEd ('84).

Her career included work with children, college administration, the fashion marketing industry, and eventually the nonprofit arena, where she thrived on making a difference in the lives of others. Karen was very involved with environmental issues long before it became a mainstream concern, she loved animals, especially her beloved pets, and was the one to go to with any fashion-related question. She had an affinity for Italy, having lived there in her 20's, and she returned frequently into her 50's. We think her heart may have been part Italian.

A funeral service will be held at the Stanetsky Memorial Chapels, 475 Washington St, Canton, MA on Thursday, September 9 at 11am. Attendees must wear a mask. Burial will be private, on Nantucket Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 148 Chestnut Street, Needham, MA 02492, or to a charity of your choice.