Karen Elizabeth Mullaly

Karen Elizabeth Mullaly March 12, 1945 - December 19, 2024 Karen Elizabeth Mullaly of San Jose, California, passed away on December 19, 2024 at the age of 79. She died peacefully at home with her son, Brian, and daughter, Megan, by her side.
Karen's aura was magnetic and her bright light illuminated everyone and everything in her life. She took immense joy in being a mother of three, mother-in-law to her bonus three children and grandmother to her lucky seven grandchildren. Her dedication to the field of education impacted countless lives and fostered lifelong friendships.
Karen Elizabeth Duffey was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 12, 1945 to Melville Beattie Duffey and Helen Marie (Buechler) Duffey. When Karen was a baby, they moved into their family home on Robin Lane in Campbell, California. Karen and her brother, Mel, had a wonderful childhood in their neighborhood playing games in family garages, exploring local orchards, and making lasting friendships over the years. Karen also loved going to nearby beaches and visiting her grandmother in San Francisco.
Always an ambitious learner, Karen attended St. Lucy School in Campbell, Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose, and San Jose State University, where she was an active member of Kappa Delta Sorority, Gamma Iota Chapter, and later was president of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, International Society for Key Women Educators. During Karen's college days, she loved working at Frontier Village, a local western-themed amusement park in South San Jose. This was a natural stepping stone to working with children and sparked her interest in being impactful in children's lives. After receiving her undergraduate degree in English, she went on to receive a master's degree in education.
Karen's career started with teaching fifth grade at Vineland Elementary in the Fall of 1967. She was employed at Union School District for 40 years, having worked at most schools in the district. After earning her school administration credential, Karen went on to be Principal of Guadalupe, Noddin, and Alta Vista Elementary Schools where she received many accolades and school awards including California Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon. More importantly, she built relationships with her students and their families (and knew all of their names!) which created lasting bonds and memories with her beloved school communities. She took on a final career challenge by working as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Union School District where she hired, trained, and supported many educators. After the birth of her grandchildren, Karen retired from her incredible career in 2007 to start her favorite job of all – Grandma!
In addition to achieving many successes in education and nurturing her family, Karen was a woman of many talents. While at home with her young family, she established, co-owned and ran four flower shops and a successful cake decorating business. Anyone who knew Karen, knows that she never stopped making and creating! From her exquisite floral arrangements, to her creative cake creations, Karen was a true talent. She had an eye for design, style and her immaculate attention to detail was like no other. Best of all, she created from her heart and truly loved celebrating all of life's milestones. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, or other special moment. She loved celebrating life!
While downtime was rare for Karen, she loved to read, go to movie and coffee dates with her gal pals, play bridge, discuss books with her book club, garden in her abundantly beautiful yard, decorate for every holiday, and best of all, travel. Her love of travel came from hearing her mother's stories about world travels. Karen's favorite visits included a cross country road trip with her children and mom, visiting her son who was studying in Scotland, visiting her sister-in-law, Corie, in Hong Kong, seeing glaciers on an Alaskan cruise, and her many trips to Disneyland and Hawaii with family.
Karen's strong-willed Irish personality coupled with her faith in Catholicism gave her endless strength through her many years of battling Parkinson's disease. Karen's health support needs increased over the last few years, and she received loving care in her home from a team of wonderful caregivers. Our family is eternally grateful for her caregiving team and hospice care.
Karen (Mom/Grandma), always will be remembered by her three children: Megan (Mullaly) Davies, Michelle (Mullaly) Hughes, and Brian Mullaly; by her children-in-law: Phil, Tim, and Megan; by her grandchildren: Owen, Michael, Brayden, Gavin, Evan, Emma, and Liam; by her brother Mel Duffey, sister-in-law Corie (Amarillo) Duffey; by her nephew Michael Duffey and niece Erin (Duffey) Brown.
Karen was the best Mom in the whole wide world! Her children were beyond blessed to have her overflowing love, guidance, and protection in their lives for as long as they were honored to have her Earthbound. She forever will live in our hearts and souls as our eternal angel in Heaven.
We invite Karen's family and friends to honor and celebrate Karen's incredible life: Memorial Visitation with Rosary at 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Darling Fischer Memorial Chapel (Campbell, CA), and Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at St. Lucy Catholic Church (Campbell, CA).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and/or Sacred Heart Community Service of San Jose, CA.