Karen L. Larson

Karen L. Larson, 80, passed away peacefully at home on July 3, 2024, with family and loved ones by her side. 

Born to Bernice (Koch) and Edwin I. Caleb on September 5, 1943, Karen grew up in West Shelby. She had the last of the idyllic childhoods, roaming the woods of West Shelby with her siblings, cousins, and friends, attending country school, and watching her parents run Caleb’s Grocery Store. 

Karen graduated from Medina High School in 1960 and attended SUNY Brockport. She returned to her hometown to teach math at MHS just four years later at the invitation of her high school principal. She taught for 33 years, and teaching was a great passion of her life. Her philosophy was “I can teach anyone math,” and she impacted many MHS students over the years. She was also a cheerleader coach for many years. 

In 1978, Karen married the love of her life, Gar. They loved life together for 36 years and went on many adventures, including trips to Florida and wherever they could find a casino. They were true companions and a great match. Karen was predeceased by Gar in 2015. 

Karen’s favorite things included: the birth of her daughter, Corinne; Gar; card games with Bette, Donna, and Sue; spending time with her children and grandchildren; parties at Amy and Art’s; sitting and talking with Bette; anything that Mike cooks on the grill; all of her nieces and nephews; going to concerts with Shelley; crossword puzzles; her home; and music and musicals. Karen loved to laugh and had a wonderful and sometimes irreverent sense of humor that was a joy to be around. 

Throughout her life, Karen’s immediate and extended family brought her great joy and a lot of laughter. They will miss her dearly. She is survived by her daughters, Corinne (Kyle) Grimes of Bedford, MA; Natasha (Larry) Saubermann of Pittsford, NY; and Nanniscah Larson of North Palm Beach, FL, as well as her grandchildren, Lorenzo Luciani, Delaney Grimes, and Dempsey Grimes, who were her sunshine. She is also survived by her sister, Bette Leffler, who was her closest friend and confidante; all of her nieces and nephews, who held special places in her heart; and her lifelong friends, Sue Holland and Nancy Odorizzi. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her mother, Bernice Caleb (1996); father Edwin Caleb (1973); sister, Rita Navarra (2013); and brother, Edwin Caleb (2015). 

Karen’s family would like to acknowledge the angels on earth who loved and cared for her during her final year of life: Tricia Trupo, Kendra Hill, and Krista Lawson. They made her days happy and comfortable, and she loved each of them in their own way. A special thank you to Tricia for everything she did to keep the dream team running smoothly. Thank you to Erin and Jennelle at Hospice of Orleans for all you offered and provided. 

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 1-3:30PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. A brief service will follow at 3:30PM. Those that cannot join are welcome to view her service livestream at https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/karen-larson-memorial-service.

Memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship set up in her honor: the Karen Larson Excellence in Teaching Scholarship, Medina CSD District Office, 1 Mustang Drive, Medina, NY 14103.