Obituary of Karen K. Sirois

South Plainfield - Karen K. (Rathje) Sirois, 69, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains. Born in Newark to the late Raymond and Kathleen (Bogan) Rathje, she graduated South Plainfield High School and was a longtime resident of the borough. An executive secretary for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Karen retired after 25 years of dedicated service in 2010. She started her remarkable career as a court reporter's transcriber. A selfless person, she loved shopping, especially off of QVC for Christmas presents. Karen had a love for Christmas and the true meaning behind it. She enjoyed trips to Maine, Peddlers Village and was an avid reader. She was interested in ancestry, and collected Radko ornaments and Thomas Kinkade paintings. Even when health presented many challenges, Karen remained an optimistic and happy person. Predeceased by her husband of thirty-six years, Gerald Sirois who died just six weeks ago and her brother Gary Rathje, she is survived by her son, Joseph Charles Vaughan, Jr. and his wife Susana, daughter Kimberley Southard and her husband Jody and her lifelong friend, Gay Gavinski. She will be missed deeply by her grandchildren; Andrea, Nicole, Kenny, Mark, Nick and Noah as well as two great-grandchildren; Nali and Skylah and several extended family members and friends. At the request of the family, Karen's services have been handled privately through the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals in South Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated. Please visit www.McCriskinFuneralHome.com to send condolences to the family.