Karen L. Martin

Karen L. Martin Karen L. Martin 77, of Rome, passed away at her home on October 23, 2025, following a courageous battle against cancer. She was born on December 7, 1947, in Rome, N.Y., a daughter of the late Raymond and Marguerite Schaller Whitman. She grew up in Stanwix, N.Y. and graduated from Oriskany High School, Class of 1965. Karen began her employment with General Electric of Utica before starting a family. After raising her four children, she accepted a position with Oneida County Department of Social Services as a Social Welfare Examiner working in such units as HEAP and Food Stamps. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Rome. Karen was a self-taught artist who loved picking up painting tips from Bob Ross. She enjoyed traveling with her family to New York City, Georgia, Virginia, and Colorado. Karen took great pride in her family, especially her grandchildren. She never missed a soccer, football, or hockey game, dance recital, or musical in which her grandchildren were participating. In her spare time, she volunteered at the Stanwix cemetery, maintaining the grounds and family graves. Karen is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Bonnie Martin of Colorado: three daughters and two sons-in-law; Katrina and Jamie Deeley, Rome, Tiffany and Michael Quinn, Forestport, and Tera Martin, Rome; two sisters: Maxine Nicholson, Maine, Becky Myers, Canajoharie; two brothers: Raymond Dusty (Rena) Whitman and Bruce Whitman, N.Y. Mills; six cherished grandchildren: Joshua (Joelle) Deeley, Katie Deeley, Dominic Di Paolo, Emelia Quinn, Oscar, and Rose Martin; a great grandson, Dawson Deeley; along with several nieces and nephews; special friend affectionately known as BFF, Sharon Darrow; and her beloved grand pups. Fred and Tiffany would like to thank their sisters, Katrina and Tera for the wonderful care and compassion they provided for their mother over the past 2 years. Their dedication to their mother allowed her to remain in her home with peace and dignity. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Hospice and Palliative care of New Hartford 4277 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413. Donation envelopes will be available at calling hours. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Martinez, Dr. Matthews, Dr. Koussa, Diane Clute FNP, and all the staff of the Oneida Health Cancer Care of Roswell Park Care Network. The family also expresses their gratitude to medical staff, volunteers, and social workers of Hospice and Palliative Care for their medical, social, and spiritual guidance. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 2 -6 P.M., at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10 A.M. at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church 502 West Chestnut Street, Rome N.Y. 13440. Interment will take place in Rome Cemetery. In the immortal words of Judy Garland: "Someday I'll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds are far behind me Because that's where you'll find me Somewhere over the rainbow"