Karolyn G. (Wetherbee) Kalunian, 83, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, on Nov. 3, 1940, Karolyn was the daughter of the late Lawrence R. and Gladys I. (Janson) Wetherbee. The family moved to Rhode Island soon after Karolyn was born, and she graduated from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School in 1958.
Karolyn worked her entire adult life, spending the last 15 years of her career employed by the state of Rhode Island at the Department of Health and later at the Department of Human Services, where she helped to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Upon retirement, Karolyn told her granddaughter, “There was nothing I ever wanted to do except be with my family. Family is really the most important thing that anyone can ever have.” She was happiest at family gatherings, where she could enjoy her favorite foods (many of which she cooked or baked) with her favorite people. She was also an avid reader, particularly horror books, and enjoyed drawing and writing, as well. In addition, Karolyn maintained dear friendships throughout her life, some dating back to elementary school.
Karolyn is survived by her son, Thomas Martin, and his wife, Ellen, of Warwick, R.I.; her daughter, Karen Kalunian, and her husband, Keith, also of Warwick; her brother, David Wetherbee, and his wife, Sheila, of Parrish, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Wetherbee, of North Scituate, R.I.; her grandchildren Edward Martin, Celina DaSilva and Kimberly Kalunian, and their spouses; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sister, Isabell Wetherbee, and two brothers, Richard F. Wetherbee and Laurence A. Wetherbee.
Visitation has been respectfully omitted. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Karolyn’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
