Amherst, MA – Karen A. (Wilson) Mientka 68 of Amherst MA after a long struggle with cancer, died at her home on Sunday August 15th with two close friends and her husband at her side.  

Karen was born in Northampton MA on November 12, 1952. Raised in Northampton, she had a loving childhood. She attended Northampton High School, graduating in 1970. She went on to UMass Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture, graduating with a degree in Floriculture. She was a full time floral designer at Knowles Flower Shop in Amherst for many years. She stepped aside from full time work when her daughter Kristie was born.   

Karen enjoyed her home, gardening, and truly cherished raising Kristie. There was a special place in her heart for their mini-longhaired dachshund, Jesse. She became proficient at painting water colors, especially of  flowers. A highlight for her was painting designs on bird houses that her father in-law Ed Mientka Sr. had built. She enjoyed music and beach vacations. She would always look forward to their vacations on Cape Cod or at the house in Georgetown Maine. One of her proudest moments came when Kristie graduated from Tufts University-Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She also felt joy when hearing the news and seeing the first photograph of her new granddaughter, born just two days before her passing.   

She is survived by her husband Eddie Mientka Jr., her daughter Kristie Mientka and son in-law Sam Shoolman, of Somerville MA, along with her new granddaughter Fiona Willow.   

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Sam, Gabby, Meghan and all the Nurses and PCA’s of Cooley Dickinson Hospital who provided her with extraordinary care and compassion. A thank you also to the nurses and staff of Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice.   

Per Karen’s request, no formal services are planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to the Dakin Human Society, www.dakinhumane.org.  

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com