Industry Leader Passes Away

HOMES President and CEO Karen Estrella built a reputation for advocating on behalf of both providers in New England and the industry as a whole.

• By David Kopf
• Jul 11, 2019

Well-regarded industry advocate Karyn Estrella, president and CEO of the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England (HOMES) passed away on July 4. She had been fighting pancreatic cancer since March.

Estrella worked on behalf of HME providers in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Connecticut for longer than 20 years, and built a reputation for advocacy, working with other industry stakeholders on behalf of providers and patients.

“I am tremendously saddened by the news that Karyn Estrella has passed away,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare. “She leaves behind an amazing record of accomplishment as the long-time president and CEO of the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England and a legacy of leadership and service to the HME community.”

A graveside service was held for Estrella in New Bedford, Mass. on July 8. Well-wishers can send remembrances to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Attention: Superintendent, 33 William St., New Bedford, MA 02740.