Karen M. West

Karen M. West, 56, of St. Johnsbury, passed away peacefully at her home on December 18, 2025.

Karen was born on April 30, 1969, in Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Edward and Madeline (Kelly) Davis. She graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School in Philadelphia with the Class of 1986. While in high school she received her associates degree from Temple University in 1986. She then attended Temple University where she received her bachelor's degree in 1990. She moved to Vermont in 2014, eventually ending up in the Northeast Kingdom. She was loved by many through her work at Milton Elementary School, Concord School, and Girl Scouts.

Karen was a worldly traveler in her youth. She went across the pond to London, England when she was 16, and studied for a year at University of London, Goldsmith. During that time, she made trips through Edinburgh, Scotland, and Paris, France. She also traveled to Dublin & Belfast, Ireland, Amsterdam, Mexico, and to Canada multiple times.

Aside from her family, Karen’s greatest joy was Girl Scouts. She started as a Girl Scout herself before continuing as an adult through many avenues. She served as a Scout Leader for 31 years, as a service manager, cookie parent, and serving on the gold award committee, just to name a few. She was a devoted and loving mother who enjoyed every adventure life threw at her. She lived every moment to the fullest right to the end of her life. Her adventurous and caring spirit will be carried forward by those who loved her most.

Karen was an extraordinary, vibrant, and resilient person who is leaving behind a legacy of hope, strength, and inspiration. She had an incredible sense of humor, where she laughed her way through both the good and bad times. She was a shining beacon, illuminating the path for many, and a powerful presence that touched every life she encountered. Karen’s remarkable journey was a testament to her unwavering courage, as she fearlessly battled cancer for nearly 14 years with a spirit that roared like a dragon.

Karen is survived by her mother Madeline Davis; children Bridgette (James) Monroe and Meagan (Uriah) Cochran; siblings Madeline (Grove) Colburn and Edward Davis III, and grandchildren Gracelyn Cochran and Atticus Monroe. She was predeceased by her father Edward Davis II.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Karen’s name can be made to the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains,

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at caledonialifeservices.com.