With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of Karen Guadalupe Gomez, age 63, on July 21, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Karen was one of the most loving, forgiving, and generous people anyone could ever know. She truly had a heart of gold. Her kindness knew no limits, and she always placed the needs of others before her own. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Above all else, Karen cherished her family. She deeply loved her mother, father, brothers, and sisters, who were not only her family but also her closest friends. Her children were her greatest pride and joy, and being their mother was the role she treasured most. She found immense happiness in spending time with those she loved.

Whenever salsa music began to play, Karen was the first to fill the dance floor with her joyful spirit, and once she started dancing, it was nearly impossible to get her to stop. Her laughter was contagious, her smile was genuine, and she had a beautiful way of bringing happiness to everyone around her. She never met a stranger and had a special gift for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends.

Although cancer claimed her life, it never diminished her faith, her strength, or her unwavering love for those around her. She faced her illness with remarkable courage and grace, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, forgiveness, generosity, and unconditional love that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved father, Carlos M. Guadalupe Gomez, who passed away just four months before her, and by her cherished granddaughter, Marissa Y. Guadalupe.

She leaves behind her loving mother, Cecilia Maysonet; her devoted sons, Miguel Guadalupe and Jyovani Joubert; and her beloved siblings, Carlos J. Guadalupe, Magdalia Joubert, Eliot Guadalupe, and Elizabeth Maisonet Guadalupe.

Karen also leaves behind her stepchildren, whom she loved as her own: Belinda Joubert, Julio W. Joubert III, Marco Joubert, and Adrian Joubert. She is also survived by her lifelong partner of 48 years, Julio W. Joubert Jr, who stood faithfully by her side through life's joys and challenges and remained her constant source of love and strength throughout her battle with cancer.

Karen was a proud grandmother to 19 grandchildren and a loving great-grandmother to 4 great-grandchildren, including her newest grandson, who was born the day after her passing—a bittersweet reminder that even in the midst of loss, life continues, bringing hope for generations to come.

She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, who affectionately knew her as "Titi Zumba," as well as her many cousins whose love, prayers, and unwavering support surrounded her throughout her courageous journey.

Even in death, Karen's selfless spirit continued to bless others. As a tissue donor, she was able to donate her corneas, giving someone the precious gift of sight. It was a final act of love and generosity that perfectly reflected the way she lived her life—always giving, always caring, and always thinking of others before herself. That was simply who Karen was.

Karen will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we find comfort in the countless beautiful memories she created and in the enduring love she leaves behind.

May Karen Guadalupe Gomez rest in eternal peace, embraced by God's everlasting love until the day we meet again.

Karen was here for a good time, not a long time—and what a beautiful time she had. She lived life to the fullest, loved deeply, laughed often, danced with all her heart, and left an unforgettable mark on everyone blessed to know her. Though her time with us was far too short, the love, joy, and memories she gave us will live on forever.

"Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in every smile they inspired, every life they touched, and every memory we hold close to our hearts."

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 2, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Words of Remembrance will begin at 2:00 PM. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com.