Newton's New HR Director Karen Glasgow Dies Suddenly

NEWTON, MA — Newton's Human Resources Director Karen Glasgow died suddenly Sunday morning, the Newton Mayor announced Monday evening.

Glasgow collapsed at home Sunday and died unexpectedly Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said in a memo to city council. Glasgow leaves behind her husband Brendan, and 9-year-old son, Noah.

"Karen was so special in so many ways. She loved her family, lighting up when she spoke about Brendan, Noah, and Flash (their new puppy)," said Fuller in the message. "She adored her boy, Noah."

Glasgow who was appointed in February to fill a long vacant HR director seat at city hall brought her love of cooking and baking to work. She even won first prize at the city hall bake off and with her Grandmother’s "secret" recipe for carrot cake.

She was also known for her style and for sporting hand-made jewelry, the mayor said.

"I am particularly fond of her rhinestone encrusted wristlet that sported the words, 'Nasty Women.' " the mayor said.

Depending on her mood and the situation, Glasgow was known to wear the bracely words facing in or out.

The mayor described Glasgow as having a wonderful sense of humor: smart, witty and dry.

"She was bright, both intellectually and personally. She lit up a room. Professionally, she quickly earned our respect. She had extraordinary equanimity and a calm demeanor," the mayor said. "She listened carefully. She paid close attention. She brought her years of experience and wisdom to City Hall, helping us move forward. She solved problems and did so in a positive way. We will miss her deeply."

Glasgow came to Newton with deep experience in labor relations and human resources for the City of Boston in their Law, Fire and Public School Departments. She filled a position at city hall that had been vacant for years.

According to Glasgow's LinkedIn profile, she was the director of labor relations for Boston Public schools for the past four years. Before that she was the deputy legal commissioner for labor legal affairs for the Boston Firefighters for five and a half years. Before that she represented the City of Boston and employees in litigation all civil cases involving civil rights for 7 years.

Do you have a memory you'd like to share of Glasgow? Email jenna.fisher@Patch.com

• Subscribe to Newton Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.

Newton City Hall Has A Human Resources Director Now

Photo courtesy City Hall.