Karen M. (Martindale) Kodys

JEFFERSON – Karen M. (Martindale) Kodys, 66, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, July 25, 2020. She was born in Montague, MA the daughter of Spafford A. and Helen K. (Luntta) Martindale and had lived in Jefferson for the past 34 years.

Karen spent much of her childhood in Hingham before a new business opportunity brought her family to Conway, New Hampshire. It was there that Karen graduated from Kennet High School with the class of 1972. While growing up, Karen enjoyed spending summers at her family's home on Pitchwood Island at Lake Winnipesaukee. After graduating High School Karen went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of New Hampshire.

Karen began her career at a leading virology laboratory at Harvard Medical School under Dr. Thomas Weller before being recruited to UMass Medical School in Worcester.  At UMass, she worked as the Chief Technician in the Research Laboratory of Dr. Carol Miller-Graziano before moving to the laboratory of Dr. Gyongyi Szabo as Lab Manager.  Her work became most impactful in applying advanced research techniques to patients suffering from liver diseases, and more importantly, in the initiation of younger generations of scientists for those studies.  Karen was an author on over 80 scientific manuscripts that will long survive her short time on this planet.  Karen participated in the training of over 40 research and clinical fellows and an even greater number of college and high school students.

Karen met the love of her life, Thomas Kodys and the couple went on to share 39 years of marriage. They settled in Jefferson where they raised their children, Jeffrey and Jessica. Karen enjoyed gardening, knitting, rug hooking and family trips to Moody Beach and the Cape. Above all, she treasured family and especially time with her grandchildren.

Karen will be lovingly missed and remembered by her husband, Thomas Kodys; her son, Jeffrey Kodys and his wife, Brittany of Rutland; daughter, Jessica Galvin and her husband, John of Jefferson; brothers, Spafford Martindale Jr. and his wife, Joanne of North Carolina and Bruce Martindale and his wife, Nora of New Hampshire; her sisters, Susan Wall and her husband, Frederick of New Hampshire and Paula Jaworski and her husband, William of Wyoming; her beloved grandchildren, Abigail, Leilani, Elyse and Bryce; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Karen was predeceased by her sister, Diane (Kalehua) Martindale of Hawaii.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Karen's family from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden (appropriate Covid-19 Protocol including use of face masks and social distancing will be observed). Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Memorial Contributions, P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284-9168.

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