Karen Fillebrown
Norway- Karen A. Fillebrown 74 passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025 at Stephens
Memorial Hospital after complications from a stroke. She was born in Lewiston, ME on
April 06, 1951. The daughter of Walter Fillebrown Jr. and Joan Bean Fillebrown. She
graduated from South Portland High School in 1969. Her career included Fair Child
Semi-Conductor, MMC, CMMC, Stephens Memorial Hospital, and the Progress Center.
She even returned to college at the age of 53. She proudly received her associates
degree in computer science in 2004. Although Karen never married she found great joy
in spending time and going on adventures with her two nieces and nephew through their
childhood years.
Karen was a member of both the First Congregational Church of South Portland and the
Waterford Congregational Church. Although she grew up in South Portland her home
has always been Waterford where she lived for 30 years until she moved to Norway
Commons in 2019. Karen was a member of the Waterford Woman’s Fellowship. She
enjoyed coffee hour at Waterford Library and occasionally playing the card game 63
with the ladies.
Karen was a proud esophageal cancer survivor and cherished her connections with
everyone at the Cancer Resource Center. She could be found there often crafting with
the other woman and coming up with neat ideas for them to create next time. The
friendships she made there were very near and dear to her. Karen loved visiting the
Ocean with her furry companion Bo where she found peace. She loved searching the
beach for shells, sea glass, driftwood, and odd objects. One time she found 6 golf balls
that she brought home and made into a snowman. Bo was by her side for nearly 15
years.
Karen will be remembered for her infections smile, sense of humor, and stubbornness.
Her nieces and nephew share many fond memories from their childhood that involve
swimming in Keoka, hiking Mt. Tirem for a picnic, trips to Two Lights, and 4 th of July
festivities in Waterford Village. She was always up for an adventure and creating life
long memories.
Karen is survived by her sister Susan Hunt and husband Tony of Norway, brother Paul
Fillebrown and wife Marlene of Waterford. Niece Brittany Bennett, and husband Travis
of Harrison, Nephew Garrett Fillebrown and fiancé Drew of Portland, Niece Shannon
Fillebrown and partner Tyler of New Hampshire. Great niece Brystol Bennett and great
nephew Brody Bennett. She was pre-deceased by both her parents.
Karens family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Stephens
Memorial hospital who went above and beyond to make her comfortable during her final
days.
We invite friends and family to drop in Sunday July 20 th at The Wilkins House in
Waterford between 1pm-4pm to remember and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers
donations can be made to the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine in memory of
Karen.