Karen Marie Barr

Reading, VT- Karen Marie Barr, died unexpectedly of natural causes at her home on October 20, 2026.

Born on November 25, 1962, in Springfield, VT, to Robert D. Fielder and Loretta Coletti, Karen grew up in Reading and attended Woodstock Union High School. After losing her mother at a young age, she was raised with the help of her stepmother, Nancy Fielder, who played an important role in raising the family. Karen later married her beloved husband, James Barr (on date/location).

Throughout her life, Karen wore many hats and brought her natural talent, creativity, and warmth to everything she did. She owned her own hair salon for a time, “One Mane Street” in Reading. She went on to work at the Reading School as the food service manager, and also stayed busy helping people with pet and house sitting. Later, she worked as a chef for the Spring Brook Farm’s program, “Farm for City Kids”, welcoming young adults from around the globe to Vermont and sharing her love of cooking and hospitality with them.

Known throughout the community as the “Mayor of Reading,” she seemed to know everyone and was always ready with a friendly greeting, a helping hand, or a good laugh. She generously gave her time to others and was someone people could count on.

Karen’s home was the heart of her family, especially during the holidays. She loved hosting and bringing people together, and family gatherings were her specialty. She took great pride in organizing the annual family Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities, as well as family reunions, often welcoming more than 70 people into her home. Her gatherings were filled with good food, laughter, and family.

A talented and resourceful woman, Karen seemed able to turn her hand to just about anything. She enjoyed flower gardening, had a wonderful sense of humor, a special love for cats, and a gift for forming deep and lasting friendships. She treasured her many close friends and, above all, loved her husband and family dearly.

Karen was predeceased by a brother, Don Fielder, and a brother-in-law, Jeremy Pierce.

She is survived by her husband, James Barr of Reading, sisters, Sheryl Pierce of South Acworth, NH, Heidi Fielder of Reading, VT, Jennifer Walker of Georgia, VT, Debra Macia of Reading, and Kathleen Davis of Springfield, VT. Survivors also include many close friends, Mary Biathrow, Janet Allen, and Sue Moulder, among others, stepsiblings, Marjory Pierce and Nick Pierce, her godson, Kirby Walsh, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, loved ones and neighbors.

A celebration of life will take place next summer, on a date to be announced.

Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com