Karen Marie Fairbairn passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY with loving caregivers by her side. Karen enjoyed a life filled with smiles, laughter, loving family, thoughtful caregivers, good friends, chocolate cake, and Disney show tunes. Karen's smiles would light up the room and her sense of humor and loving ways made you want to join in on a puzzle, paint your nails, and buy a new purse!

Born on July 2, 1961, she was the daughter of the late Francis E. Fairbairn of Margaretville, NY and Cornelia A. Fairbairn of Richmondville, NY. Karen is survived by sisters, Barbara Fairbairn, Richland, WA, Janet (Dan) Tissiere, Rutherfordton, NC, Audrey Rapant, Zebulon, NC, and Darlene (Kenny) Loiacono, Galeton, PA and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will always cherish time shared with sweet sister Karen at family birthdays, Christmas celebrations, and summer BBQ's at Saratoga State Park.

Our family can never offer enough thanks to caregiver, Kathy Moltzen of Middleburgh, staff at the Union St., Schenectady residence, and the staff at Freihofer House, Troy, NY, where Karen lived for the past four years. Everyone treated Karen as if she were a family member giving her support and care in a warm and loving environment. Also, our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Samaritan Hospital in Troy for their sharing of comfort and compassion.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 1 pm on July 31, 2026, at Zion Rural Cemetery in Seward, NY.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Center for Disability Services Foundation, 314 South Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 or by visiting the website at cfdsny.org and accessing the Giving section.