Karen Achille, Children's Librarian, Beloved English Teacher

Karen Sue Achille died peacefully in her home on Saturday, July 7, in Oak Bluffs after battling cancer. She was 76.

Karen was born on Feb. 24, 1942, in Evanston, Ill. to Robert and Josephine Blakesley. Her family moved to Whitefish Bay, Wis. in 1948, and she graduated from Whitefish Bay High School in 1959. Karen received her bachelor’s in education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and a master’s degree from the University of Bridgeport.

In 1964 Karen married Michael DeVivo in Las Vegas. After starting their teaching careers in Bakersfield, Calif. they relocated to New York. Together they had daughter, Jennifer DeVivo, and son, Matthew DeVivo. Karen was widowed in 1970 when Michael DeVivo died from complications after open-heart surgery. Three years later she married the love of her life, Michael Achille, and together they enjoyed fulfilling teaching careers at Nanuet High School in Nanuet, N.Y., and a happy retirement filled with friends, travel and grandchildren.

At Nanuet High School, Karen was a beloved English teacher, softball coach and cheerleading coach until her early retirement in 1988. Her fabled 1987 cheerleading squad qualified and competed in the National High School Cheerleading Championship. Karen and Mike both retired from teaching in 1988 and relocated to Oak Bluffs where they each began second careers. As the children’s librarian at the Vineyard Haven library and later the Oak Bluffs library, Karen discovered she had a sweet spot for engaging children of all ages and for writing grant proposals for the community.

Karen was an active part of the Martha’s Vineyard community, devoting her time and talents to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martha’s Vineyard, MV Center for Living, Council on Aging, Massachusetts Librarians Association and many others.

Karen Achille is survived by her husband of 45 years, Michael Achille of Oak Bluffs and two biological and four step-children; Christine Gunter of New Orleans, La.; Michael Achille and Mark Achille of Orleans; Jennifer DeVivo, of West Tisbury; Jennifer Parks, of Chico, Calif.; and Matthew DeVivo of Raleigh, N.C.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at one of her favorite places, the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury. All are invited to join her family there on Friday, August 3 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a contribution to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martha’s Vineyard, MV Center for Living, and Council on Aging.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs, ccgfuneralhome.com.

Patty Blakesley, Lake Villa, IL

Karen, we have been connected since our first day of work at the VH Library and will be forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. I will treasure forever our times together. Your spirit will live on in all who have been fortunate to know you.

July 13, 2018 - 9:02pm

susan silver, nyc

Karen was a dear friend since grade school whose love and support was always there plus her signature "hugs" will miss her.

July 15, 2018 - 9:08am

Tom Parsons

So sad, My across the street friend for all our years at Richards and WFB High School. My condolences to Judy, Lynn and all other family members, especially including Mike. Butch

July 18, 2018 - 12:18pm

John Munsch, Chilton WI

Karen was the "Spark" that made so much good happen in the class of 1960. I am a better person just knowing her. I am so sad for her loss. God Bless you Karen God Bless your family.

July 18, 2018 - 2:34pm

Herb McDowell, Wilmette, Illinois

Karen was a warm thoughtful person that captured my heart while attending WFB High School. Karen was a friend of all in High School and was the perfect choice Prom Queen. We will miss her spirited personality...rest in peace Big Red.

July 18, 2018 - 5:09pm

Lynn Yarnall Moore, Annaplis, MD

What a loss to all of us in the WFB Class of 1960. She was the "glue" that held all of us together during HS and since. The rogue reunion she hosted on Martha's Vineyard(oh, that great Prosecco! ) the year after our "official" 50th (where she sang our school song in her lovely voice as we toured the "Tower") will stay with us all for the rest of our lives as will many happy memories of times together so many years ago. I only wish I had known of her cancer battle so I could have offered support. I am so sad that she has left us too soon.

July 20, 2018 - 2:00pm

Judith Wilson Haas, California

So very sad. Many fond memories-the last was our visit at Martha’s Vineyard. May our prayers bring peace and comfort to Mike and the family. Willie

July 23, 2018 - 1:54pm

Constance Brussee, Bradenton

Karen was a Chi Omega sister from Drake. We kept in touch over the years and spent many times together over the years. There was always a lot of laughter when we got together with other Chi O sisters. We will miss her. Spent summer working with her and husband Mike DeVivo in up state New York. Pryers to Mike and family.

August 14, 2018 - 7:04pm

How to Submit an Obituary

The Vineyard Gazette welcomes obituaries of people who have lived or vacationed regularly on Martha’s Vineyard. The Gazette does not charge for obituaries, but reserves the right to edit them for length and style. Please email copy and photo if desired to news@vineyardgazette.com. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday for publication in print on Friday. Obituaries will appear online and in print.

Directory

Sections

Towns

Karen Achille, Children's Librarian, Beloved English Teacher

Comments (8)

Comments

Add a comment

How to Submit an Obituary