Karin Symmes

Karin N. (Hurd) Symmes, 90, died peacefully at her home in Essex on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. She was the loving wife of Thayne Symmes, with whom she shared over seventy years of marriage. Born in Lynn on March 2, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Greta (Green) Hurd. She was raised and educated in Danvers and was a graduate of Holten High School, Class of 1940. She resided in Danvers for most of her life and she and her family enjoyed their summer home in Essex, where she and her husband retired in 1991. Karin was a homemaker who enjoyed knitting, sewing and quilting and was a member of the Crossroads Quilters and a charter member of Bewitching Stitchers Smocking Guild. She was a longtime volunteer at the Topsfield Fair and was active with the Essex Council on Aging, the Friends of the Essex Council on Aging, and the Essex Senior Club. In the past, she and her husband also enjoyed square dancing. She and Thayne were very involved in the origin of the Danvers Chapter Order of DeMolay and she was active in the DeMolay Mothers’ Group. She was a long-time, active member of the Calvary Episcopal Church, including the Altar Guild, the Young Married Couples Club and many other service groups. Karin loved her family and many of her activities revolved around them. One of her grandchildren wrote: "Nanie will be remembered fondly by family and friends for her deliciously baked treats, her amazing laugh, her beautiful quilts and knitting projects generously given to others, her honest opinions on things, and her uncanny ability to always keep perfect count of the constantly growing number of grandchildren and great grandchildren in her family. She will be very missed." In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Susan Emerson of South Portland, ME, Linda Monagle and her husband Paul of Essex, Bruce Symmes and his wife Cathy of Danvers, Keith Symmes and his wife Faith of Essex, and daughter-in-law Sally Symmes of Danvers; and her grandchildren, Erik and Brian Emerson and Laurel Peterson; Melissa West, Matthew Symmes and Rebecca Lee; Amanda, Katie, Jason Symmes and Meghan Beaulieu; Dennis, Julie, and Madeline Monagle; Jessica Bowen, Jenny Giolas and Judson Symmes; 22 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Karin was predeceased by a son, David Symmes, a son-in-law, Randolph Emerson, and two sisters, Greta Geary and Caryl Gunn. Her Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 10AM in All Saints Episcopal Church (formerly Calvary Episcopal Church), corner of Cherry and Holten Sts., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Friday from 4-7PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karin’s name may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 393, Danvers, MA 01923.