Karen Ann (Zanni) Dickinson of Stoneham, Massachusetts passed away Friday, January 26th at the age of 50, following a fierce two year battle with cancer. 

Karen was the daughter of Judith (LaBay) Zanni of Chelmsford, MA and the late Stephen O. Zanni. She leaves behind her husband and soulmate Jason Dickinson, her mother Judith, her sister Bridget Zanni of Chelmsford, MA, brother Stephen Zanni and his wife Joanna (Jacobitti) Zanni of Huntersville, NC, as well as Jason’s family including Craig and Irene (Paquin) Dickinson of Hampton, NH and Stefani Dickinson of Derry, NH. She enjoyed spending time with her family, particularly her two nephews in Huntersville. Her infectious smile with her unique wit and humor led to many joyful times.

Karen grew up in Tewksbury, Massachusetts and graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts. Karen graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1995 as the Vice President of her graduating class. Karen furthered her studies with a graduate degree in Higher Education Administration in 1998, and moved to Boston where she worked for Simmons College and Emerson College, settling in Andover and then Stoneham.

Karen had a successful career in higher education, with over 25 years spent at Emerson College, directing the business services of the college, where she also mentored and inspired numerous undergraduate students.

Karen and Jason were married in 1997 and were avid skiers, campers, and travelers, sharing many an adventure and many an end-of-adventure cocktail. Karen and Jason planned many trip destinations around food and fun. They also enjoyed endless home renovations, working tirelessly on their 90 year old home in Stoneham.

In lieu of flowers, Karen’s family requests that donations be made to the Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center ( https://giving.massgeneral.org/where-to-give/cancer-center/ ) or the Massachusetts Nurses Foundation ( https://www.massnurses.org/mnf/ ). Karen received the best cancer care and nursing care in the world, which enabled her to enjoy another two years of wonderful adventures.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held in early March. Contact a family member for information.