LINCOLN

Karen A. (Petit) Scorpio, 64, of Lincoln, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at HopeHealth Hospice in Providence. She was the beloved wife of Richard "Scorp" J. Scorpio.

Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Eileen (Gorman) Petit. Karen spent most of her life in Lincoln, having previously resided in Central Falls.

Mrs. Scorpio was employed as a medical coder at The Miriam Hospital for 29 years until her retirement.

Karen was a devoted communicant of St. Raymond Church. She was known for her warm and humorous personality and her genuine love for people. Karen enjoyed frequent trips to Home Depot and other big box stores, where she became so familiar that she was on a first-name basis with many of the staff.

She was kind, generous, and always willing to help others, never asking for anything in return. Selfless by nature and quick with a joke, Karen brought laughter and comfort wherever she went. She often shared a simple philosophy that reflected the way she lived her life: "Always leave a place better than you found it." While she was never known for her punctuality, she more than made up for it with her big heart and generous spirit.

Karen faced her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with remarkable strength and courage. Determined to live life on her own terms, she refused to let her illness define her. She made sure to have the final word with the people she loved most, sharing humor, wisdom, and heartfelt messages with family and friends even in her final days.

Karen had a gift for creating community wherever she went. In her neighborhood, she and her husband Scorp were affectionately known as the "grandparents of the neighborhood," a reflection of the love and warmth they shared with so many. Karen will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In addition to her beloved husband, she leaves her five siblings: Raymond Petit of Copperas Cove, Texas; Steven Petit and his wife Adele of Fountain Valley, California; Timothy Petit and his wife Paula of Lincoln; Michael Petit and his wife Janet of Richmond; and her twin sister, Kathy Petit-Sneck and her husband Jim of Franklin, New Hampshire. She also leaves several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends and neighbors.

Karen's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated doctors, including Dr. Raufi, Renee W. NP, Dr. Cohen and Dr. Santana, nurses and staff of The Miriam Hospital, Anna and Laura (4W), the Cancer Center at the Fain Building, and the compassionate palliative care teams who cared for Karen throughout her journey. The family wishes to especially thank cancer center nurses, Megan R. and  Ashley M., and palliative care,  Heather K. for their exceptional kindness, compassion, and support. Their professionalism and loving care brought great comfort to Karen and her family during a very difficult time.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Karen's Life Celebration to be held with Visiting Hours on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM and continue on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 10 AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM in St. Raymond Church, North Main Street, Providence. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 5041, Boone, IA 50950-0041,  Check memo -  ATTN: PurpleStride Rhode Island, Team Walmsley-Sullivan. Donations may be made online at: https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/PurpleStride/PurpleStride?pg=team&team_id=67061&fr_id=3108

ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com