Nancy Louise Karm

Karm, Nancy Louise (Pohl)
CHARLTON - Nancy Louise (Pohl) Karm, age 73, of Charlton, N.Y., passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The eldest of three siblings, Nancy was born in Schenectady, N.Y., to Raymond V. and Margaret M. (Smyth) Pohl. The family lived in Rotterdam and then Glenville, N.Y., where Nancy attended Glen Worden and Scotia-Glenville High School, graduating with honors.
Nancy's first word was "light." Her parents called her "Shining Spirit," and she remained a bright and engaging presence throughout her life. Nancy enjoyed a rich family life, sharing milestones and holidays with extended family. Her parents instilled a love of nature, music, and learning, and an appreciation for history and community. Active and optimistic, with a quick and intuitive intelligence and an instinct for faith, Nancy dove into life.
In high school, Nancy enjoyed playing bassoon in the orchestra, working on the yearbook, and competing with the cross-country and alpine ski teams. After completing a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics at Colgate University, in Hamilton, N.Y., she worked in computer sales at Burroughs Corp. She then pursed a masters in Accounting at the SUNY Albany, becoming a CPA after audit experience at Coopers & Lybrand in Boston. She then returned to the Capital District, where she prepared financial analyses of municipalities for the state legislature. That led to work as controller and then Financial VP for Capital Community Cablevision, and ultimately Time Warner Cable Co. (now Spectrum), in Albany, N.Y.
As a young professional, Nancy continued her pursuit of sports and music, competing in volleyball and polo, and skiing with the OC ski club, where she met her beloved husband, John Robert Karm. An engineer and experienced horseman, John helped Nancy train her horse, Spencer. They settled in rural Charlton, N.Y., continuing their professions and together exploring the history, landscapes, and cultural life of the Mohawk Valley. Nancy especially enjoyed hiking near the family camp in the Adirondacks and attending folk music concerts and workshops.
Nancy greatly enjoyed singing with Saratoga Voices and was active in the Scotia Methodist Church, including key service as Treasurer. The girl scout troop that had travelled together to Europe during high school years, stayed in touch over the years and remained a source of joy and inspiration. Devoted to family, Nancy skillfully and generously watched over and cared for both of her parents as their needs increased, assembling and supervising a top-notch care team.
She is remembered with love by her husband of 37 years, John R. Karm; her sister, Catherine Pohl and husband, Richard Carstensen; her brother, Eric Pohl and wife, Diane Tryneski; cousins, Susan Smith and Carol Carey and Carol's husband, Andy Carey. She will also be remembered fondly by cousins, Lindsay Bibus and family, Steve and Dana Pohl; her dear friends, Elaine Nollet and Barbara Berberich; her fellow scouts from troop 29, and many friends and former colleagues.
Relatives and friends are invited to share memories and visit with family on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., at Scotia United Methodist Church, 201 N. Ten Broeck St., Scotia, N.Y. 12302. The funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie, N.Y., with a post-service repast (location to be announced at service).
Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's pancreatic cancer research program, https://giving.mskcc.org or to the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, https://www.girlscoutsneny.org
Nancy's family appreciates the services of Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home. You may view and leave messages on Nancy's Book of Memories at their website, www.TownleyWheelerFH.com