Karen Denise LaBranche

Claremont - Karen Denise LaBranche, 62, passed away peacefully at Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, New Hampshire, after a courageous battle with ALS. A devoted mother, loving grandmother, and cherished friend, Karen faced her illness with extraordinary strength, grace, and her signature sense of humor that never wavered. Born on October 2, 1962, in Lynn, Massachusetts, Karen was the daughter of Joseph and Glenna Appelbe. She grew up in New Hampshire and graduated from Newmarket High School in 1980. Driven by compassion and a deep desire to help others, she went on to earn her nursing degree from the University of New Hampshire, dedicating her life to caring for others as a skilled nurse. Karen's proudest accomplishments were her daughters, Lindsay LaBranche and Jillian LaBranche. Her joy only multiplied with the arrival of her two grandsons, Brady Croft and Luca Croft, whom she loved fiercely — and humorously. Whether she was teasing, hugging, or embarrassing her loved ones with her jokes, Karen believed that life should always be filled with laughter. Her love for the outdoors was constant. Whether hiking through trails or simply soaking in nature’s beauty, Karen found peace and joy under open skies or with a Sudoku book. Karen was predeceased by her beloved brother, Stephen Appelbe, and her mother, Glenna Appelbe. She is survived by her daughters, Lindsay (with Michael Croft) and Jillian; her grandchildren, Brady and Luca; her father, Joseph; and her partner, Greg Eddy. Her family is especially grateful for Greg’s unwavering support and the devoted caregivers and medical staff who stood by Karen in her final months. Calling hours will be held at Remick and Gendron Funeral Home in Hampton, NH, on October 9th from 4 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins, an organization committed to finding a cure for the disease that took Karen from us far too soon. Karen’s warmth, courage, and relentless humor in the face of adversity will never be forgotten. Her “mom” jokes will remain with us always, reminding us to laugh — even when life gets hard. She would like everyone to know that she now has the smoking hot body she always wanted.

Karen Denise LaBranche

October 2, 1962 - September 30, 2025