Shirley Karr

Saratoga Springs, NY – Shirley Karr, 96, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend (affectionately known as Nan and Shirl the Pearl), passed away at home on October 9, 2026 surrounded by love. She was born August 6, 1930 in Green Island, NY to the late Leonard and Myrtle Breen. Soon after, the family moved to Saratoga Springs where she became a lifelong resident.

She was a graduate of Saint Peter’s Academy Class of 1948. After graduating, she was a telephone operator until her marriage. On April 30, 1955, she married the love of her life (since 6th grade) the late Robert Karr at the Church of Saint Peter. Together they raised their four children. Her greatest joy was being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. The many dinners, get togethers and family trips are filled with memories that will forever be in our hearts.

She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother, praying the rosary daily. Shirley had a deep and lasting faith that was reflected in how she lived her life and treated others.

Shirley’s family was her greatest joy and she made sure each person knew how much they meant to her. She made birthdays extra special, and every family member looked forward to her phone call and hearing her sing “Happy Birthday”.

Shirley had an infectious smile that drew anyone who met her into her presence. Her love was a gift to all who knew her.

Shirley loved taking walks, reading, Starbucks chai tea, watching basketball, especially her favorite team Steph Curry and the Warriors. She also loved listening to stories and jokes from her son Kevin and playing slots at the casino with her son Bob.

Saturdays were often spent going to breakfast, shopping or going to craft fairs with her two daughters and the three were affectionately known as the “Shirley Triplets”.

Shirley’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life and she loved spending time with them and they all shared a special bond with their “Nan” she meant the world to them.

Shirley is survived by her children Bob (Kim) Karr, Kevin Karr, Mary Karr and Linda (Mike) McAllister, grandchildren Michael McAllister, Sean McAllister (Katie), Aisling (Josh) Creech, Katie Karr (Mark Viscuse) and great-grandchildren, Hank and Jack Creech and Paige Viscuse; her sister Jean Coppernoll and beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Erika, Kerri and Kevin Karr whom she loved and were always in her prayers.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert, her parents Myrtle and Leonard Breen, her brothers, Leonard Breen and Ronald Breen, her in-laws, Helen Mary Breen and Arthur Coppernoll, and nephew Timothy Breen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday October 16, 2026 at St. Clement’s Church. Burial will immediately follow at Greenridge Cemetery on Lincoln Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Warren, Saratoga and Washington Counties.