Karin (Knipe) Freeman

Karin (Knipe) Freeman, 69, of Rutland, passed away peacefully at home on August 25, 2025 surrounded by her loving family—her devoted husband, Mark, and all her “girls.”

The daughter of Richard and Marion Knipe, Karin grew up in Worcester and attended Doherty Memorial High School. Not long after graduation, on October 4, 1975, she married the love of her life, Mark Freeman. Together they shared nearly fifty wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. After raising their daughters in Worcester, Karin and Mark moved to Rutland, where Mark had built her dream home in the woods.

Karin worked for almost 30 years as the secretary at the Beal Early Childhood Center in Shrewsbury. Her strong work ethic and dedication ensured that each day and task was handled seamlessly. Her colleagues admired her warmth and dependability, and she was a treasured part of the Beal community.

Karin loved spending summers in Wiscasset, Maine, a place that was a second home to her. She and Mark would spend time driving up and down the coast, discovering hidden nooks and crannies and enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. Some of her happiest moments were spent at Reid State Park, sitting on the rocks and soaking in the beauty of the ocean she loved so much.

Karin’s greatest joy was her family. In addition to her husband, Mark, she leaves her daughter Tara Hancock and her husband, Jason, of Rutland, and her daughter Kimberly Sokol and her husband, PJ, of Lunenburg. She also leaves her cherished granddaughters—Anna and Lucy Hancock, and Elaina and Evelyn Sokol—who adored their grandmama. She is also survived by her sister, Sharon Sansoucy, and her niece, Heather Trudell, who was like a daughter to her, and her husband, Michael, along with their children, Livia and Alex. She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Marion Knipe, and her sister, Carla Ryder. Karin will be deeply missed by numerous sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Karin’s life was defined by her deep love for her family, her generosity, and her selflessness. Always helping and caring for others, she leaves behind a lasting legacy and will be remembered with love forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Easter Seals of Massachusetts- The Bridge Center online at: https://massachusetts.easterseals.com/donate-bridge-center or by mailing a check payable to Easter Seals of Massachusetts to 18 Chestnut Street, Suite 200, Worcester, MA 01608 (please note The Bridge Center- Freeman in the memo of the check).

Calling hours will be Monday, September 1, 2025 from 3 to 6pm at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester. The funeral will be Tuesday, September 2, 2025 with a service at 9am in Greendale People’s Church, 25 Francis Street, Worcester, followed by the burial at Rural Cemetery in Rutland.