Karen Ann Padykula

Karen Ann 'Big K' Padykula, 73, passed into eternal adventure on May 19th, 2026. She leaves behind a lifetime of music, generosity, and laughter.

Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Frank Sr. and Mildred (Manion) Padykula. A graduate of Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Karen pursued her passion for music from an early age, performing in local bands and learning to play six instruments. Though she became a musician by trade, Karen adamantly considered herself an entertainer, professionally and personally.

She spent many of her early years traveling and living in various places, from New England to Hollywood, California, where she worked for writers and television stations. In the early 1980's, she joined and managed the all-female band The Burgandies and performed across the country as a lead guitarist and singer. After returning to Rhode Island, she continued to write and record original music while operating her own production company, KA Productions. Throughout her career, she also worked as a bookkeeper for Surplus Machinery Co. and was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Karen was an avid photographer, writer, and artist, who meticulously documented her remarkable life. She lived unapologetically, embracing who she was and whom she loved. Though she had no children, she will be remembered as a mother by those she nurtured and for all the joy she brought to those who had the privilege of knowing and being known by her. Her greatest loves in retirement were spending time with her family, beloved nephew and niece, Taylor and Kaitlin, great-niece, Autumn, and above all, making everyone she met laugh.

She is survived by her sisters, Francine Padykula-Vogell, Christine Fagan and partner, John Sheehan Jr.; her niece, Kaitlin Fagan; her nephews, Kenneth F. Padykula Jr., Joseph Padykula, Taylor Fagan and wife, Sara Fagan; and her great-nieces, Kaylee Padykula and Autumn Fagan.

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket.

www.TrippFuneralHome.com