Karen Carman

Karen Sue Carman, 70, was born October 21, 1955. She entered eternal rest in the early morning hours on December 28, 2025. Karen was born into the continuously growing family of Charolette Elizabeth (Rorick) Carman and William McCall Carman, Sr. She had three older brothers, three younger brothers, and one younger sister.

Karen was born with Down Syndrome, which limited her from doing many of the things her siblings were able to do. Having several siblings was the only social interaction Karen had in her younger days until area schools began having classes for children with learning and developmental needs in the late 60's. It was in these settings, with her peers, that Karen learned to grow and cope with the many challenges that she had to deal with every day.

In the late 70's Karen entered the ARC system and group homes for adults with special needs. In this social setting Karen learned how to prepare meals, do chores, and take care of herself. She learned how to cope with the many different characters that were her fellow residents. She learned their likes, dislikes, their wants, and their moods. She had her best friend and people she disliked. She enjoyed volunteering, completing puzzles, cooking, reading, and good movies.

Karen's long journey took her to several homes from Middleburgh to Schoharie to Cobleskill to Gloversville to Mayfield. During these years Karen worked in workshops, grocery stores, and fast-food restaurants. She did activities with fellow residents including group trips getting groceries, going to the movies, and even fairs.

Like all of us, Karen had her up and down days, experiencing all emotions. She had a natural mother instinct when she was around her niece and nephew. She was protective of them. Her eyes lit up when family or friends visited. They lit up even more when you took her out to eat. She loved pizza.

Karen was loving and caring. She was funny, playful, and liked to tease. She had a wonderful laugh. She liked watching TV and lounging around, if people let her. Karen made a lot of friends on her long journey with fellow residents and staff members. She will be missed by them just as much as by family.

Karen is predeceased by her mother, Charolette Elizabeth (Rorick) Carman; father, William McCall Carman, Sr.

She is survived by her six brothers and one sister, Bill Carman, Jr, Danny (Rosie) Carman, Neil (Karen Lynn) Carman, Dennis (Denise) Carman, Glen Carman, Dean Carman, Sr., and Patty Carman. She is also survived by an uncle and aunt, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

On behalf of the family, we would like to thank all the women and men from all the houses Karen lived at. They spent countless hours teaching and caring for Karen all these years.

A graveside service will be held in Esperance Cemetery at a later date. Contributions in memory of Karen S. Carman may be made to an organization of your choice that supports adults with special needs.