Karen Winslow Buchanan-Parker

Karen Buchanan-Parker (Mrs. Withrow to her students) passed away on August 14, 2024 surrounded by family after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born on April 8, 1944, to Wilbur and Muriel Paulsen, Karen lived a full and varied life.

As an only child growing up in Dover, MA, Karen enjoyed riding horses, going to camp, and her Scottish terriers. 

She graduated from Boston University and went on to become a dedicated teacher, starting her career in Virginia and Washington, DC working with children from troubled backgrounds and challenging situations. Upon moving to Canterbury, NH, Karen taught at Horizon's Edge elementary boarding school, where her youngest son, Jared, was born, and later at Canterbury Elementary School and the Shaker Regional district where she taught 5th and 6th grade.

Karen was passionate about sustainable living and built her own home near the historic Canterbury Shaker Village with environmental features like passive solar heating, wood heating, and gardens.

She loved sailing and spent countless hours on the water, exploring up and down the east coast with her husband, Stephen, in her wooden sailboat. She even earned her 100 ton captain's license. Her love of sailing inspired her to create Sail Sowelu, a women's sailing program that empowered women to learn and enjoy the freedom of the seas.

In addition to her adventures on the sea, Karen loved to travel. She enjoyed exploring the world with her husband, Stephen, and learning about other cultures. 

A faithful member and Deacon of her church community, Karen sang in the church choir and enjoyed expressing her creativity through art and music.

In her community, Karen was known for her humor and humility, earning her the repeat title of "Queen of the Dump" at Canterbury's annual dance, a distinction she wore with pride.

Karen is survived by her husband, Stephen; children, Nathaniel Witschonke and Jared Withrow, Jared's wife, Nicole; stepson Peter Buchanan-Parker and Peter's wife, Emma; and grandchildren, Alison Witschonke, Kate Witschonke, Skyla Withrow, Haley Withrow, William Withrow, Kira Withrow, Cora Buchanan-Parker, and Alice Buchanan-Parker.

Service in Karen's honor will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Canterbury Church at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Karen's name to the Alzheimer's Association.