Millis, MA – Karen D (Hannula) Ryan peacefully passed on October 6th, 2026, surrounded by family & friends. Born in Princeton, NJ, to the late Fred & Janet (Dean) Hannula, she grew up in Medfield, MA, with her two brothers, Mark & Eric. She graduated from Medfield High School in 1977, before attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst graduating with a degree in History in 1981.
After college, Karen pursued a career as a real estate appraiser in Worcester, MA & Concord, NH.
In 1983, Karen married Michael F. Ryan & their son, Matthew, was born in 1989.
Karen started her own appraisal business in 1992, which she continued when she moved with her family to Grantham, NH. Owner of K.D. Ryan Appraisal Services, she served the Upper Valley region in NH as an appraiser & consultant for 17 years. She held the SRA designation from the Appraisal Institute, of which she was a longtime member, serving on the board of directors of the NH-VT chapter & later the MA-RI chapter.
After moving to Little Compton, RI, in 2015, Karen worked for Citizens Bank, first as an Appraisal Analyst III & then in Customer Escalated Appraisal Review. She earned her AI-RRS designation from the Appraisal Institute in 2021 & continued working for Citizens Bank after relocating to Millis, MA, in 2022.
Civic-minded, Karen was involved with community groups over the years including serving on the Grantham Planning Board and Grantham Democrats
Karen was an avid reader, exceptionally creative & skilled in various crafts, including quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, felting & basket-making. She also enjoyed the outdoors, hiking with friends, her son & the various dogs that were part of her life’s journey. Throughout her life, Karen enjoyed travel & exploring new places. She was always game for a trip or adventure, whether near or far.
A wonderful mother & friend, Karen was deeply kind & caring. She made everyone she loved, whether people or dogs, feel loved & cherished. Following her retirement in 2024, she devoted her time to travel. In the past 2 years, she visited Scotland once, Italy twice, & explored several scenic areas across the country.
Karen is predeceased by her husband, Michael Ryan, as well as her brother, Eric Hannula.
She is survived by her son, Matt Ryan, of Salt Lake City, UT; her partner, David Taylor, of East Hartford, CT; her brother, Mark (Robin) Hannula, of Morehead City, NC; brother-in-law, William (Hope) Ryan, sisters-in-laws, Susan Ryan, Beth Ryan & Amy (Randy) Hathaway, all of Little Compton, RI; many nephews & nieces as well as several beloved friends.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a future date.
Those wishing to may donate in her memory to the CJD Foundation, https://cjdfoundation.org/donations/
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