Karen Franco Juknis

Karen Franco Juknis, formerly of Barre, Vt., passed away Thursday, January 23, 2020, surrounded by family following a sudden stroke.

Karen was born in Barre on April 29, 1951, to the late Helen Morrie Franco and the late John Lewis Franco Sr.

Surviving her are her husband of 44 years, James Juknis; daughters Jennifer Juknis Kretz and her husband, Evan, of Nassau, N.Y., and Kristin Juknis of Barre; brother John L. Franco Jr. and his wife, Kathi Franco, of Burlington; and aunt Carole Cacioppi of South Burlington.

Karen attended the Barre Town School system, including Trow Hill School and Lower Websterville School, where she met her dearest friends, Debbie Gable and Linda Marineau. She later graduated from Spaulding High School in June of 1969 and from the University of Vermont in 1974. She taught for many years at the Barre Town Middle School, until 2011, at which time she and Jim opted for retirement in warmer climes in western North Carolina, outside of Asheville.

Following a brief remembrance for her friends in North Carolina, Karen will come home to her beloved Vermont. A gathering of friends will be held at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre VT on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Karen’s wishes were to make a contribution to a women’s support group of your choice.

This article appears in Jan 22-28, 2020.

3 replies on “Obituary: Karen Franco Juknis, 1951-2020”

  1. Karen was one of the best friends I ever had in my life also. I met her in the 5th grade and we were friends ever since. My husband and I moved out of Vermont in 1980 so we lost touch with many people. I tried to send her a letter a few years ago, but it got returned to me and then we didn’t know where she went. We had many good times and I will always remember her fondly.
    Pam (Eisenwinter) Cronin

  2. I moved from Barre City to Trow Hill the summer before 4th grande. At Trow Hill School I met Karen who was so nice to me. Change was never easy for me and Karen could be counted on to always make everyone comfortable. We went on to Lower Websterville and then on to SHS together. She was certainly the kind of friend one could never forget; Sweet, kind, real, and with a refreshing personality. I will surely miss you Karen
    Ramona Gagne

  3. I remember Karen fondly as a great friend from Trow Hill Elementary School. We had such fun times walking back and forth to each other’s homes in our neighborhood. For many years, Karen’s family was like a second family to me. We both became Elementary School teachers and enjoyed long careers. I am so sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you right now J.L.
    Lynda Darling Waltien

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