Karen Maria Fegan, a longtime resident of New Rochelle, died on July 20, 2013, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. She was 61.
Karen was born in New Rochelle on September 23, 1951, the daughter of Alma (Stone) Sich and the late John Sich. She grew up in New Rochelle and attended local public schools, graduating from New Rochelle High School in 1969. She received her undergraduate degree in Physical Education from Ithaca College in 1973, and her Masters in Special Education from Manhattan College in 1975.
Karen always had a great love for children, and she followed her father’s footsteps and went into the field of Physical Education. Following one year at Mt. Vernon HS, she spent the next 32.5 years in the Port Chester School System, primarily at Thomas A. Edison Elementary, until her retirement in 2007. Her former principal had always said that Karen was the “heart and soul” of Edison School. She was honored as District Elementary Teacher of Year in 2002.
Following her retirement, Karen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends …at the beach, the ballpark, the golf course with her beloved husband Tom, as well as an occasional trip to AC and the Seaview Marriott in New Jersey. There was nothing more important than family to her, and she remained totally devoted to them. Karen was kind, funny, generous, and a real go-getter when she set her mind to something. She especially loved buying outfits for newborns of friends, work associates, nieces and nephews…and dishes, dishes, and more dishes for every imaginable holiday and special occasion.
Karen is survived by her mother, Alma Stone Sich; her sister Paula Martinez, her brother John (Jack) Sich; her loving husband Tom, her daughter Kelly, her sons Kevin and Sean, daughter –in- law Susan; nieces Leah (Brian), Courtney (Sven) and nephews Brian (Michelle), Stephen (Katie) , and Matthew.
Visiting will be Sunday 7-9pm and Monday 5-9pm at Lloyd Maxcy & Sons Beauchamp Chapel, 16 Shea Pl, New Rochelle. A Mass is scheduled Tuesday 10:30 am at Blessed Church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s name to any of the following charities: Edison Angels, Butterflies from Jodie, New Rochelle Little League, or the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.
