ROWLEY – Karen Marie (Rapson) (Robblee) Blakeslee, 70, of Rowley, Massachusetts, died peacefully at her home on the afternoon of October 31st, 2021. She was the wife of David Blakeslee and of the late John Robblee.

Born in Boston on December 12th, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Warren and Harriet Rapson. She was raised in Somerville and graduated from Somerville High School in 1968.

Although Karen contracted rheumatoid arthritis as a teenager, she was determined not to let her illness limit her opportunities. Karen became a high school science teacher and taught in Exeter, N.H., and Raleigh, N.C. Later, she obtained a doctorate in Education from Boston University and served as Assistant Principal for curriculum and instruction at Franklin High School.

In 2005, Karen and David moved to Rowley, and Karen began work at the Masconomet Regional School District, where she taught and led the Science, Technology and Engineering Program. She continued to enjoy baking and other forms of cooking, as well as sailing with David in the summer. She and David treasured their occasional trips to Europe, which included travels to Italy and Portugal.

In addition to her husband David, Karen is survived by her children, Katie Robblee and Stephen Robblee and his wife, Lori Fritz; her stepchildren, Dan Blakeslee and Jonathan Blakeslee and Jonathan's wife, Joelle Guerard; one grandchild; Nicholas, her sister, Laurie Rapson and her wife, Elizabeth Orrell; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late David Rapson; stepmother of the late Christopher Blakeslee; and aunt of the late Brian Buckley, with whom she was especially close.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her Funeral Service will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS, Saturday, November 20 ^th at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Friday, November 19 ^th from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen's memory may be made to Greater Newburyport Ovarian Cancer Awareness ( www.ocawareness.org ) or the Greater Boston Food Bank ( www.gbfb.org ). To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

Greater Newburyport Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Web: http://www.ocawareness.org

Greater Boston Food Bank
70 South Bay, Boston MA 02118
Web: https://www.gbfb.org/