Karin Ellen Kay Jones

Kay was born on November 4, 1952, in Norwalk, CT to William H. and Ellen A. (Skoglund) Jones. She grew up in New Canaan, CT and was a 1970 graduate of New Canaan High School. She went on to attend Keene State College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. After graduation she moved to Maine where she lived for a few years. She went back to school there, earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in English. After leaving Maine, she taught in Ft Collins, CO and Fairfield, IA, before returning to Keene to teach at her Alma Mater, Keene State College. She was an Associate Professor at Keene State College for three years.

Kay was a strong and courageous woman who approached life with remarkable intensity and passion. She loved music, travel, the outdoors, Nature and wild animals, and all things Swedish. She was deeply spiritual, practiced Transcendental Meditation most of her life, and felt a particular kinship with Native American culture and traditions. She travelled the U.S. as well as overseas to visit her extended Swedish family. She had a deep love for NH, and her home in Swanzey, where she had wonderful gardens and took care of the wildlife as well as her own pets. She was a joyful caretaker of the woods behind her home. She designed and built a lovely peace garden in the center of which she installed a four-sided pole on which the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is inscribed in four languages.

Earlier in life she was very active outside, with down hill and cross country skiing, running, hiking, kayaking and sailing. Even after a surgery in 1999 left her with significant physical challenges, she remained very active and maintained an indomitable spirit. This event changed her life, and where many would have found reason to despair, Kay found only inspiration and hope. Her physical setbacks became a springboard which brought her to a deeper understanding of life and strengthened her commitment to spirituality, ultimately inspiring her to complete a Doctorate of Philosophy in Metaphysics degree from the American Institute of Holistic Theology in Birmingham, Alabama.

Kay continued to be inspirational and always remained positive. She maintained her home, her gardens and an upbeat attitude, never wishing things different. She learned to live in harmony with her home and land.

Kay is survived by her father and stepmother: William H. and Bertha P. “Petie” Jones of New Canaan, CT; her Sister: Ingrid E O’Reilly of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and her children: Kristin O’Reilly and fiancé Carlos Pizan of Miami, FL, Katelyn O’Reilly of Hermosa Beach, CA and Garrett O’Reilly of Chicago, IL.; her Aunt and Uncle: Dorothy and Tom Myers of Cohasset, MA as well as many cousins, and numerous beloved extended family in Sweden. She is also survived by her special and close friends Carolyn (Callie) and Marty Amick of Maine and Bermuda. She was predeceased by her mother Ellen A. Jones and by two of her closest companions, her German Shepherds: Klaus and Silver Girl.

It was by Karin’s request that there be no public calling hours or services. Please take a moment to go out into nature and enjoy it as you recall and remember her, and those memories of her you hold special.

Fletcher Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com), 33 Marlboro St, Keene has been entrusted with the arrangements.