Karen Ethel (Leyland) Silipigno

Karen Ethel (Leyland) Silipigno, 79, of Middleborough, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at her home on July 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Randolph, Massachusetts, Karen was the beloved daughter of the late Herbert F. Leyland and Julia (Iozzo) Leyland. She spent her early years in South Boston and East Boston before settling in West Roxbury, where she and her husband raised their family. They extended their family with their Suissevale neighbors when they built in Moultonborough, NH. In retirement, Karen enjoyed life in the Oak Point Community in Middleborough.

Karen was the devoted wife of John T. Silipigno, with whom she met at the Emmanuel House and shared a lifetime of fun, food, family, celebrations and cherished memories.

After graduating from Girls' High School of Boston and attending Business School, Karen worked diligently at Putnam Investments, raised her children and later served in the Boston Public Schools at Washington Irving Elementary School in Roslindale and Mattahunt Elementary School in Mattapan.

Karen was committed to getting involved and serving others. As her kids were growing up, she generously volunteered her time and talents, organizing and supporting numerous activities, fundraisers and events with the Holy Name School Girl Scouts, holiday craft fairs, the Bernadine's women fellowship, marching band, as well as the Co-Director for social events at Suissevale, NH. Her home became the second home for many Boston Crusader marching members. Her enthusiasm and willingness to help left a lasting impression on countless families.

Karen enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, flowers and in more recent years, she added quilting to her repertoire. She took great pride in creating beautiful handmade items for those she loved.

Karen celebrated every holiday with over-the-top decorations, clothing, hats, beads and pins. She has been known to launch into a melody in the middle of a conversation and could sing the lyrics to any song she ever heard. More than any hobby, however, she will be remembered for her ability to bring people together. She had a special gift for building friendships, strengthening family bonds, and creating treasured memories that will endure for generations.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, John T. Silipigno; her sister, Paula Leyland MacDonald and her husband, Owen MacDonald.

She was the proud mother of Lisa Marie Silipigno and her husband, John O'Brien; Laurie Ann Hendricks and her husband, Todd Hendricks, and their sons, Jack and William; Marc Philip Silipigno and his wife, Alicia Silipigno, and their daughters, Gabriella and Allison; and John Anthony Silipigno and his wife, Cheryl Silipigno, and their children, Benjamin and Kathryn; as well as other in-laws, several nieces, nephews and every child she took under her wing.

Karen's greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, generosity, togetherness, and a few good recipes, that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, neighbors, and all whose lives she touched.

May she rest in peace.

Visiting hours for Karen will be held on Sunday July 19, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00PM, at the Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home 280 Bedford Street, Lakeville, MA 02347. Followed by a memorial/prayer service at 1:00PM.

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