Karen F. Helmke

Karen Franz Helmke, died peacefully at home in Bedford, NH on December 29, 2020, after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer.
Karen was born January 24, 1962 in Stoneham, Massachusetts to William and Lorraine (Hogan) Franz. She received her bachelor's degree in English from Salem State University and married her high school sweetheart, Richard Helmke, in 1987.
Karen was a generous woman who volunteered regularly at the Manchester and Bedford Public Schools, especially helping to organize the First Robotics teams from 2006-2010. Karen also loved running the family business, HomeSeer, and considered their employees relatives She was an avid reader and traveler, having gone on dozens of cruises in her life. She especially loved entertaining and spending time with her family.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, William. She is survived by her husband, Richard; her son, Ian and his partner Aliide; her son, Devin, daughter-in-law, Chelsey and granddaughter, Daisy; her mother, Lorraine; her siblings Kathy, Janine, and Bill and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
A private service for the family will be held following the Covid-19 pandemic. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.