Karen Ross, 61

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Karen Bru Ross, 61, of Park Street, Great Barrington, passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2017, surrounded by her family after a brief battle with cancer. 

Born on August 4, 1956, in Plainfield, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Harold and Henrietta Bru, of Allentown, Pa.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Thomas M. Ross of Great Barrington; daughter Tracey R. Larrow; and sons Eric B. Ross and Brian T. Ross. Her loss is also mourned by sisters, Christine Jaross of Oceanside, Calif., and Janice Giandomenico of Allentown, Pa., along with many nieces and nephews.

Karen was a graduate of Indiana University School of Music, and received a Master’s Degree from Lesley College in Boston. She was an extraordinary music teacher for many years, starting her life-long career in Houston, Texas, in 1978. After moving to the Berkshires in 1984 with her husband Tom, she started teaching for the Berkshire Hills Regional School District, first at Searles Middle School and then at Monument Valley Middle School. Karen took great pride in her annual spring musical that always included anyone who wanted a role or part. She also brought joy and happiness to area nursing homes during the holiday season while caroling with her Select Chorus. 

Karen's greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends, often around a board game and home cooked food, or getting together with the "Bru Crew" for some laughs and good times. She will be greatly missed by all.

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the Berkshire VNA and Hospice Care of the Berkshires, her physicians at Berkshire Medical Center, Suburban Medical Center, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for their excellent work and dedicated staff.

Funeral notice: Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 4, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Great Barrington, conducted by Rev. William P. Murphy, Pastor. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 3, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, to support cancer research and patient c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230 or online.