Karen Caristi

Lua

Karen Caristi Lua, of Bedford, MA, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of November 7, 2026. She was a beloved mother, Nana, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who love her.

Karen was born in 1959 in Boston and graduated from Bedford High School in 1977. Bedford was home to Karen, and she felt a deep connection to the community. Her warmth, generosity, strength left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a way of bringing people together and becoming part of the lives and stories of those around her.

Karen and her beloved husband, George, married in 1983 and built a life together in Bedford filled with love and family. Their years were spent cheering on their children from the sidelines of countless sports fields, they spent their summer days in their “spot” at Springs Brook Park and gave back to the community through volunteer work with local organizations. Karen made holidays special, never missed an opportunity to celebrate a birthday, and worked tirelessly to make sure her children had everything they needed. She found joy in making memories and creating traditions that her family will cherish for years to come.

Karen also cherished her summers in her beloved York Beach, Maine, a place that held a lifetime of special memories. Her parents first instilled a love of the area in her during childhood, sharing it with Karen and her siblings. Over the years, York became a treasured family tradition and a place she always held close to her heart. She spent countless hours on the beaches, gazing out at the ocean from her beloved family home, and, of course, dancing and making memories with the family she loved so much.

Karen had a generous heart and a deep commitment to her community. She taught CCD at St. Michael Church and directed the St. Michael Parish Christmas Pageant for many years, creating special memories for generations of children and families.

For many years, Karen ran a family daycare from her home, touching the lives of countless Bedford families and becoming a special part of so many children’s lives. She later dedicated many years of service to the Lane School in Bedford, where she worked as the Principal’s Secretary, a role she truly cherished. The staff and children at Lane became an extension of her family, and she cared for them with the same love and dedication she gave to her own. Karen was always willing to go above and beyond for others, giving a little extra of herself wherever she was needed. After many years of devoted service, Karen retired from Lane School in 2026, leaving behind countless meaningful relationships and a lasting legacy of kindness and dedication.

Above all, Karen was devoted to her family. She was a cheerleader, a confidante, and a problem solver. She was an unwavering source of love and support. She showed up for the people she loved, helped them through life's challenges, and always reminded them that they were never alone. Her family was her greatest joy, and she made sure they never questioned how much they were loved.

Karen was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Teresa Caristi, and her beloved husband, George K. Lua.

She leaves behind her five children: Stephen Lua and his fiancée, Tiff; Nikki Taylor, her husband, Eric, and their two children, Henry and Pacey; Alli Lua and her fiancé, Mike; her youngest son Joey Lua and the baby of the family Kari Lua. She is also survived by her siblings: Diane Marino and her husband, Tommy; Linda Iacopucci and her husband, Dana; DJ Caristi and his wife, Jen; and Teresa Ferrelli and her husband, Peter. Karen also leaves behind her seven nieces and nephews: Lauren, Michael, Christopher, Anna, John, Sophia, Benjamin, her aunt, Marjorie Jacobs and her cousins Lori and Jeff and their families.

Karen will be truly missed by her family, children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends. We hope her life will inspire others to always remind people that they are loved, and to give a little extra of themselves to make sure the people around them feel that love. If there is one thing Karen taught us, it is that love is shown not only through words, but through the countless little things we do for one another.

Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., on Thursday, November 12, from 3:00-7:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, on Friday, November 13, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bedford Community Santa Program, an organization that means a great deal to Karen and her family. We hope donations will help support Bedford families in need this holiday season, continuing Karen's spirit of generosity and giving back to the community she loved. https://bedfordsanta.com/donate/