Amherst, MA – Karen passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 4, 2025. Karen was born in Amarillo, Texas on July 16, 1950, daughter to Kenneth and Velma Lard. Karen has a twin sister, Sharen, and a younger brother Gene and throughout her life she was very close to her family. Karen graduated from Tascosa High School in Amarillo in 1968. She attended Amarillo College for two years and received her associates degree in 1970. Karen then went on to receive her bachelor's degree in education in 1973 from the University of Texas at Austin.
Karen started her teaching career in the small town of Cuero, Texas, where she taught elementary school for five years. Through a mutual friend she met her future husband, who was attending graduate school at the University of Texas. In 1978 she moved to Austin, Texas and taught for one year in the nearby town of Leander, Texas. She married Ronald Snell on December 9, 1978. Ron's first academic position was in Amherst, and they moved there in 1979, where she lived for the rest of her life. Karen taught at both Wildwood and Fort River schools in Amherst, but in 1982 she found her ideal teaching position at the Swift River elementary school that serves the towns of New Salem and Wendell. Karen worked with students at all grade levels providing extra academic support in math and reading. She was a wonderful teacher and beloved by all of her students.
Karen retired in 2008, after 35 years of teaching. In retirement she enjoyed traveling and pursuing many hobbies, including painting, flower gardening and watching the birds and animals outside her window. She had many dear friends including a group of retired Swift River school teachers who met every week. Karen was a very sweet, kind and gentle person who was loved by all and will be sorely missed. Karen is survived by her husband Ron of Amherst, her twin sister Sharen Laurrell of Pampa, Texas, her brother Gene Lard and his wife Mary of Kalispell, Montana, and her many nieces and nephews. Charitable donations in her memory can be made to Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst.
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