Karen Ann (Maynard) McCaffrey, 78, passed away peacefully after a brave struggle with illness on May 29, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the now deceased Edward McCaffery.

Karen was the daughter of the late Irving J. Maynard, Sr. and Shirley (O’Neil) Varin. She made her home in both Gloucester, RI and Bethlehem, NH.

Karen led a beautiful life. She did everything with her husband. They both were retired teachers at Scituate High School. They cooked, traveled, skied, read, biked and boated together. Karen loved to cook fine foods and pair them with fine wines. She was both an excellent chef and baker. She traveled extensively in Europe, particularly enjoying over 25 annual month-long trips to Spain with her husband. Karen was a top-notch skier, reviling in the challenges of Cannon Mountain and easily tackling Bretton Woods. Karen was an avid reader and self-learner, seldom without a book in her hand. Karen was a natural sailor. She had exceptional navigational skills and could easily manage the anchor. Karen enjoyed biking and keeping fit, loved to walk with her dogs, and kept on walking outside until very near her last days. Later in life, Karen picked up bridge, met a wonderful group of new friends and was a worthy opponent.

Karen leaves her sister, Dorothy Yeamen and her husband James; one niece, Julie Carrigan, her husband Brian and their three children Paige, Brynn and Barrett; two nephews, Samuel Yeamen and his fiancé Laura Laite, and Christopher Corsi and his wife Julie; and two brothers-in-law, Terry McCaffery and his wife Linda, and Brian McCaffrey. She was the sister of the late Nancy Babota and Muriel Coppage, and the brother of the late Irving Maynard, Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to a graveside service at Swan Point Cemetery beginning promptly at 11:00AM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial gift to the NH or RI Foodbank. Assisting with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire. To view Karen's online tribute, send condolences to their family, or for more information, visit http://www.csnh.com/