Obituary of Karen M. Miller

Albany – Karen M. Miller, 61, of Albany, passed away peacefully at home with her beloved Dan by her side on Tuesday, August  23, 2022.

Karen was born on June 30, 1961. She was the daughter of the late Edna (Myers) Miller and Floyd Miller. She was a graduate of Rensselaer High School, Class of 1980. 

Karen was a lifelong educator of pre-K and kindergarten aged children. She truly took delight in her workdays, and in her own words, often described them as magical. She meant it. She reveled in watching compassion grow and develop in a child. She loved their senses of humor. She understood the gift of every child and that each would flourish in their own time.

Karen was a true artist. She was gifted in sketching, painting, sculpting, and saw the world in art. She had an eye for style and beautiful fabrics and loved anything with a little “bling” or flair.  She loved music of all kinds and loved to sing. She was often known to break out in song, hilarious and impeccable renditions of musicals, and loved doing karaoke either solo or with her friends.

She loved nature, beautiful landscapes, and the ocean, and had a knack for cultivating a variety of plants and flowers in her backyard garden. She loved decorating her front porch for all the different seasons. She had a heart for animals of all kinds, dogs, horses, dolphins especially, and was particularly captivated by eagles.

Spending the day with Karen (or any amount of time), meant you were guaranteed to have the best day. It would be filled with belly laughs from start to finish and with almost certainty, you’d return home with a story (or two) to tell! Holidays and family gatherings with her at the table were always the most fun. Karen never shied away from enjoying life and embracing it to its fullest. She was incredibly funny, genuinely kind, deeply compassionate, ever the encourager, and championed those around her. She loved without judgment. 

Karen understood the secrets of life we all often forget. She understood the most beautiful things in life are not things; they’re people, laughter, smiles, and moments. She knew where to look for life’s richest and deepest treasures. She understood the freedom to love without judgment gives and that a smile is the key to most hearts. She understood the value of long and deep friendships and was the most loyal friend. She was that friend you could tell anything to, and she would understand and receive it with so much love.  Karen especially treasured her time spent with the RHS ladies.

One of the last sentiments Karen expressed was that “no beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart.” Karen, you were the most beautiful of all and we will miss you endlessly.

She is survived by her lifelong love of 41 years, Daniel Scharoun, and “Mom and Dad Scharoun” (William Scharoun and the late Geri Scharoun).  She leaves behind Mary Crandall, Peter Scharoun, Jeff Scharoun, and the late Jimmy Scharoun, brother Kevin (Kathy) Miller, sister Kerry (Paul) Anderson, as well as her nieces and nephews, Aaron (Amy Lovelace) Miller, Justin Miller, Mikaela (Jeremy) Ernster, Sarah Miller, Matthew Taylor, Colleen Crandall, Jason Crandall, and numerous cousins.  

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a service from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., at W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home in Rensselaer, NY. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PetConnection c/o Steve Caporizzo, 341 Northern Blvd., Albany, NY 12204.