Karen Bush Barrett

Karen (Bush) Barrett, age 71, passed away on March 19, 2024, at Schuyler Ridge Residential Healthcare after a courageous battle with a progressive neurological disorder.

She was born on September 29, 1952, in Albany, NY, the daughter of the late John Bush, Jr. and Helen (Pratt) Bush. Karen grew up in North Greenbush where she enjoyed an idyllic 1950s childhood filled with outdoor activities like camping, boating, swimming, snowmobiling, and sleigh riding.

Karen graduated from Columbia High School with honors and earned a degree in early childhood education from Plattsburgh State University. Her deep love of learning and helping young children provided the foundation for a remarkable 41-year career teaching kindergarten at Okte Elementary School in the Shenendehowa School District. Nothing pleased Karen more than running into her students as adults and hearing their fond memories of time in “Mrs. Barrett’s” classroom. The circle of friends that Karen made at Okte lasted her a lifetime and sustained her in her final years of life.

Karen traveled the globe in retirement with her husband Bob, often with their dear college friends Pete and Wayne Seguin. She was always up for new adventures, visiting an incredible 47 countries before she died. Karen was also an ardent scrapbooker who creatively documented her travel adventures, as well as the lives of her beloved children and grandchildren—lasting remembrances of her love for family, friends, and adventure.

Finally, Karen will be fondly remembered for her love of Saratoga, live music, St. Patrick’s Day and her delicious frosted sugar cookies, a recipe she shared freely with countless friends and family members.

Karen is preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years and soulmate for eternity, Robert J. Barrett.

She is survived by her son, Michael Barrett (Tori); daughter, Shannon Barrett; and four beloved grandchildren: Madison Barrett, Jordan Stoddard, Arayah Laws, and Kailani Laws. She is also survived by three devoted sisters: Sandra Berthold (Robert). Linda Slyer, and Deborah Bush-Suflita (Andrew) as well as her brother-in-law Mark Barrett (Bonnie Bouck), aunt Carolyn Bielawa, and many nieces, nephews, and loyal, loving friends.

The family extends special gratitude to the staff at Schuyler Ridge and The Community Hospice for their compassionate care for Karen during her final year of life.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. (Rte 9 and/or Maple Ave.), Saratoga Springs, NY.  Family and friends may call from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with a celebration of life set for 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Community Hospice of Saratoga or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

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