March 18, 1985 – April 4, 2025
KERRIE M. (BROPHY) KARST – A resident of Boston, formerly of Reading, MA, passed away peacefully at her happy place, her beloved Cape Cod, on April 4, 2025, at the age of 40. She was surrounded by her family after an eight-year courageous battle against a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Kerrie Marie Karst was cherished as a wife, daughter, sister, godmother, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend. Born on March 18, 1985, in Winchester, MA, she was the daughter of Ruth (Sandstrom) and Larry Brophy. She grew up in Reading, graduating with high honors from Reading Memorial High School in the Class of 2003, serving as co-captain of the tennis team and a member of the varsity swim team. Kerrie earned a B.A. in Economics and English from Georgetown University in 2007 and went on to receive her JD from Georgetown Law School in 2010. After graduation, she began her career at Jones Day LLC and later joined The Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C. Following nine years in Washington, she returned to Boston in 2013, where she worked at State Street Corporation and most recently held the position of Senior Vice President/Associate General Counsel at Natixis Investment Managers.
Kerrie had a contagious smile and a unique grace that resonated with everyone who crossed her path. She effortlessly formed friendships and maintained them throughout her life. A devoted wife, the ideal child for any parent, the best sister imaginable, a beloved aunt, and a trusted confidante to many, she embodied love and loyalty. She will always be remembered for her unwavering determination, her passionate enthusiasm for life, and her enduring optimism, even in the most challenging times.
She married her true love, Andrew, on July 4, 2021, in Harwich, MA, and they adopted two adorable cavapoos named Penny and Clifford. They loved taking their dogs for long walks on the beaches of Cape Cod and playing with them in the backyard. Kerrie also really enjoyed every opportunity she got to spend time with her nephews Christopher and Matthew and her nieces Aubrey and Adelaide. She took great pride in making them feel special and will always be remembered for her exceptionally thoughtful gifts.
Kerrie wholeheartedly embraced life and will forever be remembered for her passions, particularly her affection for Cape Cod and her love of travel. Renowned as the ultimate trip planner, she had the privilege of exploring fifteen countries. Kerrie had a passion for baking, showcased her skills by competing in Carla Hall’s 2023 Cape Cod Baking Classic, and will always be cherished for her iconic Christmas cookies and imaginative children’s birthday cakes. She excelled in every endeavor, including her remarkable talent for envisioning the potential of home remodeling and interior design projects. With impeccable decorating taste and a green thumb, she nurtured her stunning flower gardens on Gordon Road.
Beloved wife of nearly 4 years to Andrew J. Karst. Treasured daughter of Larry and Ruth (Sandstrom) Brophy of Middleton. Dear sister of Jennifer (Brophy) Allen, her husband Jack of Reading. Cherished aunt to her godson Christopher, as well as his younger brother Matthew. Loving daughter-in-law of Anita Karst of CO and Michael Karst, his wife Belinda of IN, and sister-in-law of Nathan Karst, his husband Dave Olmsted of Cambridge, Casey Karst, his wife Liz of CO including two nieces Aubrey and Adelaide. Dearest niece of Patricia Fitzgerald, her devoted godmother from Woburn, alongside Judy Donaghey of Woburn, Mark Clark of Woburn, Joe and Susan Barrett of Dennis, Fred Brophy of NY, Linda Simard, her husband Kevin from Reading, and Scott Sandstrom, her cherished godfather, and his beloved wife Ellen of Sutton. Kerrie was surrounded by the warmth of many affectionate cousins, esteemed colleagues, and treasured friends. We take comfort in knowing that she will be in our hearts forever and her legacy will always continue.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25th in St. Charles Church, 280 Main St., Woburn. Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main St., Woburn, or on Friday from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. prior to the Mass. A private Burial will take place on the Cape at a later date.“In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Kerrie Karst to support Dr. Priscilla Merriam’s Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Please visit http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/KerrieKarst to make your gift.”
