Medford Woman Dies During C-Section Birth

Vasques (left) with friends Kerry Belskis and Jeanne Boyden in a recent photo. Courtesy Kerry Belskis.

Beth Israel Deaconness Hospital Said Death Very Sad, Rare

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford mother-to-be Karen Oliver Vasques died tragically and unexpectedly during a caesarean section birth performed at Beth Israel Medical Center last Friday.

Hospital officials say Vasques’ baby daughter, Elise, suffered complications during the birth but seems to be improving.

In a brief statement to the Boston Globe, Dr. Kenneth Sands, the hospital’s senior vice president of health care quality, said the C-section death was very sad and very rare.

“This sad and very rare event appears to relate to an unanticipated complication at the time the baby was delivered by Caesarian section…We immediately launched an internal review and have reported to the Department of Public Health. This is obviously a very sad and distressing event for our staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center who have not experienced a loss like this for over 10 years. We continue to extend our deepest sympathy to the family,” said the statement.

Vasques, 37, is survived by her husband Derek, to whom she was married for two years, and her new baby daughter, Elise.  She was the sister-in-law of Robert and Ashley Vasques, and Melyssa Briatico, sister of Dawn Brik, Paula McShea, David Oliver, Steve and Jack Pearce, and daughter-in-law of Roberto and Kathleen Vasques of Medford.

According to an obituary published on the Dello Russo Funeral Home website, Vasques was born in Lynn and spent her earlier years in Everett. She had worked as a bartender and often wrote poems and thoroughly enjoyed the beach. She was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to music.

Vasaques was fond of animals and loved her dog Roxi.  In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations are made in her name to the MSPCA, Angell Memorial Hospital, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA.

Services and visiting hours were held at Dello Russo Funeral Home earlier this week.

The Medford City Council held a moment of silence for Vasques and approved a public expression of condolences to the family, which was offered by City Councilor Paul Camuso, at its Tuesday night meeting.

More…

Sign the online guestbook for Karen