The Anastas Family Memorial Fund

Over the last three years, Karen courageously battled Stage IV colorectal cancer, a disease that had an ending we all knew would come at some point. Unfortunately that end came far sooner than any of us would have liked. Karen passed away on January 18, 2024, surrounded by family. She was 52 years old.

The impact that Karen had on the lives of those who knew her was immeasurable, and she was always the first to be there whenever anyone was in need of assistance. Throughout her life, Karen made immense sacrifices for her children and always put her family ahead of anything else that was going on in her life. Anyone who knew Karen, knows how much she adored her children; they were truly her pride and joy. There was not a sporting event or school show that she wasn’t front row at. Even when she became sick, she made every effort to be present in her children’s lives. Prior to her illness and especially over the past three years, the family is overjoyed to have made so many incredible memories that they will cherish forever.

Many people have been asking how they are able to help as Karen would always be the first to lend a helping hand. Selfless to the end. We have set up this fund to assist Robert (Jake, Bob, however you know him) and the kids through this immensely difficult time in their lives. We appreciate your kindness and generosity.

For those who never had a chance to meet Karen, she was the beloved wife and lifelong best friend of Robert (Jake) Anastas and the loving mother of Owen, Madison, and Peyton Anastas.

Karen was born on August 9, 1971, and was the cherished daughter of Patricia (Walsh) Nowacki and the late John Nowacki.

Sister of Linda Nowacki-Bowen and her husband Arthur Bowen of Estero, FL (formerly Bridgewater, MA), Thaddeus Nowacki and longtime partner Ann Marie Cosgrove of Randolph, Christine and her husband Ralph Andrea of Middleboro, Catherine Nowacki and her wife Trina Alexknovitch of Brockton, Michael and his wife Maureen (Clougher) Nowacki of West Bridgewater, Paul Nowacki and his wife Diane (Kinteris) Nowacki of Taunton.

She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Shawn Calter, Bridget Cedrone, Theresa Nowacki, Jessica Nowacki, Michael Nowacki Jr. , and Marina Nowacki as well as great nieces and nephews Jackson Calter, Camden Calter, Samantha Calter, and soon-to-be Adelyn Cedrone.