Kari Fuglem Perkins

North Hampton - Kari Fuglem Perkins, 85, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 28th, following a brief illness. Kari was born in Frosta, Norway, on January 23, 1941, to Hilmar and Aaste Fuglem. They soon moved to Trondheim where her sister Ingrid and brothers Ola and Haavard were born. Kari excelled in school, particularly in mathematics. She was also an outstanding athlete, becoming a member of the Norwegian Women’s National Handball team. She came to the United States in 1961 to improve her English and visit her Tante Maggie in Minneapolis. Her strong math skills landed her a job at Control Data Corporation in Minneapolis. Soon thereafter, she met her life-long husband of 62 years, H. Kennard (“Ken”) Perkins. In January 1963, Kari and Ken were married in Trondheim, Norway. After returning from Europe, Kari and Ken purchased a ski lodge in Jamaica, Vermont, and together ran the Jamaica Inn for many years. Already an accomplished cross-country skier, Kari also became a terrific downhill skier during her years in Vermont. She also became a highly skilled tennis player, playing regularly at the Stratton Mountain Inn Club. She continued her love of tennis after moving to Bridgewater, Connecticut, where she lived for 13 years. While living in Bridgewater, Kari honed her culinary skills and loved to entertain. In 1989, Kari and Ken retired to the New Hampshire Seacoast, where she volunteered with Meals on Wheels as well as the annual Exeter Hospital Fashions by the Sea fundraiser. She treasured time spent with her Norwegian friends on the Seacoast and looked forward each year to celebrating Norway’s Constitution Day on May 17. Trips back to her beloved Norway to visit family and friends were also a regular highlight for her. She was also an avid gardener who loved spending time in her beautiful flower garden. Kari loved bringing her family together around the table to enjoy wonderful meals. Her grandchildren will always remember her Norwegian waffles, as well as playing badminton, wiffle ball, and going sledding with her as children. As she grew older, she continued to enjoy cross-country skiing around her property. Kari was an extraordinary, caregiver and devoted spouse, lovingly caring for her husband, Ken, during the last three years of his life. Kari is survived by her son Ken Perkins, and his wife Laura; her daughter Mette Coughlin, and husband Bart; four grandchildren, Spencer and Quinn Perkins and Mead and Peter Coughlin, who she adored; her younger brother, Ola Fuglem, and his wife, Grete; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, Kari’s grace, kindness, generosity, and love for her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. A service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care by clicking here.

Kari Fuglem Perkins

January 23, 1941 - June 28, 2026