Obituary of Karen M Dafoe

Karen M. (Kar-Bear, Grand-Bear, Bear) Dafoe 60. Passed away June 4, 2015, in Syracuse. NY. Karen was born October 5, 1954 in Cortland ,NY to the late George W. and Jean Patnode Dafoe. Karen’s main love in life was her family and friends. Karen along with her mother help raise the children of her late sister Kathy after her passing. She was also a staunch advocate for the children of Cortland County serving as parent liaison for the committee of special education. She also served as representative for CAPCO serving as community member for the maximum of 3 years then becoming a diligent member of CAPCO board of directors for many years. She was a passionate board member who will be remembered fondly. Karen was also a past recipient of the citizen of the year award for City of Cortland. Karen had been an important member of the Parker Family for many years. She and her kids (niece and nephews) were the first to welcome Parker's principal, Mr. Yard upon his arrival in 1999. Karen was present at school to support her kids throughout the years. She even presented Parker School with a drawing that she'd created of a Parker Panther, the school mascot. Karen never hesitated to be at the problem solving table. Whenever something arose, Karen was there to participate in making things right. She even extended herself as the parent liaison for the CSE. In this role, Karen was a committed and experienced advocate for all children. Karen enjoyed music, reading, her love of art, playing guitar, fishing, sports, and most importantly spending time with family and friends. Her biggest joy was her grand-babies and keeping her faith. Surviving Karen are her brother George (Shelly) sisters Brenda, Debbie, Diana (Bernie) and Ellen (James) Kruger. Her nieces and nephews, George Robert (Madeline) Dafoe, Desera' (Josh) Ensign, Tyler (Nicole) Lanning, Cody (Amber), Garrett (Amber), Logan and Gavin Stage. Spencer (Jerica) Dafoe. James and Emily Kruger. Jonathon Majka. Great nieces and great nephews: Abigail, Audrey, Addyson Gunner, Charlotte, Espyn, Evelyn, Alexiah and Adryana. Her loving Aunt Yvonne and many cousins. God Children: Patricia English and Michael Amo(Craig). Her adopted nieces and nephews: Ryan and Ashley McAnulty, Derek Rasmussen Kara Fairchild, and many dear friends. Her beloved pets: Ben, Lucy, Tigger, Poo and Gabby who she cherished. Karens arms were always open and she was Aunt Bear to many that she held close to her heart. In addition to her parents Karen was predeceased by her sister Kathy. Karen was our Angel on Earth and loved by all that knew her. She will forever be in our hearts and deeply missed by all. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 am Monday at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Zareski officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call Sunday from 3-6 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home 9 Lincoln Ave. Cortland, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Karen’s name may be directed to Special Education Dept Cortland Jr. High School Valley view Dr. Cortland, NY 13045 Attn: Mrs. Stearns. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com