Karen M. Villa

Karen M. (Conley) Villa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 11, 2026.

Karen was raised in North Quincy and graduated from North Quincy High School in 1975. She attended Aquinas Jr. College and worked at Gillette in South Boston, which she left to raise her children, Cayla and Stephen — her pride and joy. Karen later returned to the workforce at Arbella Insurance in Quincy, where she was known for her bottomless bowl of candy and the wonderful friendships she made.

Karen’s happy place was with her family and friends, of which she had many. She loved country music, her dogs, walking, and, of course, a winning Patriots team. She had an infectious smile and a kind heart. Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Karen knew she had an extraordinary way of making you feel special. Karen believed we should all be kind to one another and touched so many with her generosity and spirit.

Beloved wife of Robert Villa. Loving daughter of Phyllis M. Conley of Quincy and the late Harold F. Conley. Sister to Marty Conley (Ann) of Holliston and Mary Jo Conley Hull (Matthew) of Hingham. Mother to Cayla Newman of Marshfield and Stephen Newman of Squantum, along with her bonus children, Cassie Villa Petersen (Tom) of Hanover, Erin Harizi (Beau) of Rockland and Jillian McAloon (Rob) of Quincy. Loving aunt to Sam, Margaret, Bailey, Olivia, and Harrison. Proud Gammy to Emma Mae, Danny, Riley, Lydia, Shea, and Max.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Saturday 1/31/2026 from 8:30-10:30 AM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY followed by the Funeral Mass in St. John’s Church, Quincy at 11 AM. 

Karen fought a hard battle with ALS, and did so with grace and dignity. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Mass General Hospital Healey ALS Match fund: https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/alsmymatch.