Karen Ann McGarry

YOUNGSTOWN _ Karen Ann McGarry, 74, passes away Monday, April 29, 2019, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown, following a brief illness.

Karen was born November 8, 1944, the daughter of Donald A. and Bette (Simler) McGarry, both of whom preceded her in death.

A 1962 graduate of Ursuline High School, Karen then earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Youngstown State University, where she was twice the Sweetheart of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, members of which fraternity she remained friends with throughout the years.  Later, she also received a master’s degree from YSU.

Except for the five years she lived and taught in Boston, Karen was a proud, life-long resident of Youngstown’s eastside.  She spent the remainder of her forty year career teaching in the city school system.  Karen spent many personal hours and dollars preparing activities well beyond the textbooks for her special students, including an annual trek through the woods and picnic on the McGarry compound.

Besides teaching, Karen enjoyed the outdoors-skiing, golfing, hiking, gardening or simply sitting by a bonfire in the backyard. Of her 74 years, the time she spent without a dog (or two or three) can be counted on one hand.  She was active in the neighborhood programs and organizations, particularly those having to do with keeping the environment clean and safe.

Remembered for her red –hair and quick laugh, Karen leaves brothers, Donald R. McGarry of Youngstown and Timothy (Nancy) McGarry of Liberty; nieces, Holly (Ryan) Bunner of Dublin, and Lauren McGarry of New Springfield; a nephew, Patrick McGarry of Juneau, Alaska; three great nephews, Aiden, Dillon and Quinn Bunner; and a sister-i=in-law, Marge McGarry

As per Karen’s wishes, there will be no services.  The family will hold a private memorial at a later date.  Please remember her and the time you spend with her.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen Ann McGarry, please visit our floral store.