Karen M. Daly

1934 - 2025

Daly, Karen M. (nee Mescall)

Feb 17, 1934 - Feb 26, 2025

Age 91, passed away peacefully at her home. She was born in Lackawanna, New York, on February 17, 1934, to Marjorie (Downey) and Vincent Mescall. Karen had two siblings, Vincent ("Zeke") and Mary Ann (O'Donnell), with whom she cherished very close relationships throughout her life. Karen met Richard ("Dick") Daly at a beach along the shores of Lake Erie in the summer of 1955, shortly after he had completed his service in the Navy. They married in 1957 and recently celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary. Karen and Dick had six children: Elaine (Don Crowley), Mark, Paul (Julie), Jim (Cathy), Mary (Tony Bongiorno), and Steve (Donna); and ten grandchildren, Jennifer McCabe (Brad), Anthony Bongiorno, Sean Daly, Colin Daly (Nicole), Mia Bongiorno, Kathryn Crowley, Kara Smith (Dhane), Matt Daly, Lydia Bongiorno, and Nick Daly; and two great-grandchildren Molly McCabe and Mack Daly. Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were their priority, and Karen's pride and joy. Karen attended Our Lady of Victory High School and graduated from SUNY Cortland, later earning her Master's in Education from the University at Buffalo. She devoted 40 years to the Buffalo Public School system. Karen was a straight-shooter, who was passionate about building students up. She had a remarkable ability to help even the most challenging students discover their strengths and find their way. "Never a dull moment" was one of Karen's favorite mantras, and with her energy, it was a rule, not an exception. She knew how to make life fun in countless ways: games, campfire sing-alongs at Hanford Bay, Wednesday night family swims at LHS, the list goes on. The ultimate hockey mom, she saw a need and co-founded a local team, the Lackawanna "XLs," ensuring everyone had a place to play. Karen loved a good party and hosted many, with St. Patrick's Day always celebrated in style. Karen made an unforgettable impression on everyone she met. She sang as much as she spoke - and honestly, she did both a lot! She had a song for every moment, and no matter the situation, she could always belt out just the right lyrics - perfectly on point and in tune. Amid the chaos of big family life, Karen and Dick always found time for friends and travel. They cherished their "Poker Club" (composed of lifelong friendships nurtured as early as their childhood). They explored destinations both stateside and abroad, always ready for the next adventure. Later in life, they made Sarasota, Florida, their winter home, but it wasn't just the places they visited that made their travels unforgettable - it was the friendships they formed along the way. From bartenders to waitstaff, and anyone else lucky enough to share a drink and a good story with them, their journeys were always about the people they met. Karen was a woman of deep faith, serving for decades at Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica as parish council president, choir member, and tour guide. Despite challenges, including Mark's passing and her recent cancer battle, her default was gratitude. "What do I have to complain about?" she'd say with a wry smile, reminding everyone that there was always something to be thankful for. Her resilience wasn't about ignoring hardship but focusing on the good, with a laugh and a shrug. Karen was nothing short of iconic - a loving soul with a quick wit, and blunt honesty that kept everyone on their toes. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed! Karen will be celebrated at a Funeral Mass on Saturday, July 19th at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Basilica. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made in her name to OLV Basilica, 767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218. Arrangements by NORMAN E. GANNON & SONS, Inc., 1075 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna (716-824-4000).