Obituary of Karen A. Holly

Karen A. Holly, 64, a longtime resident of Gloversville, passed away peacefully at home January 21, 2021 after a valiant battle with cancer.  She was surrounded by her loving family and fought to the very end.  Karen was born September 20, 1956 in Oneida, NY to Joseph and Jeanne Arnold.  She was predeceased by her Edson’s Raider Marine father and her loving mother. Karen is survived by her soulmate/partner in crime of twenty years and loving husband of fourteen years Ron Holly. Karen was graced with her three sons, Scott (Jamie) Luey, of Ballston Spa, Dane (Courtney) Luey of Gloversville, and Evan (Mika) Luey of Northville, and five grandchildren whom she loved so dearly, Isla, Johanna (JoJo), Ruby, Sullivan, and Kya Luey, who lovingly called her Makka.  She is also survived by her stepchildren Liam, Shannon, Em and Jacob Holly, and her three sisters, Tarie (Robert) Dick of Oneida, Susan (George) Flint of Oneida, Anny (Vincent) O’Neill of Saratoga Springs, Mother-in-law Dorothy Holly of Gloversville, Sisters-in-law Shannon Cubells and Michelle Paul of Gloversville, eight nieces and nephews, and nine grand-nieces and grand-nephews and a large extended family of close cousins.  She is also survived by the father of her children, Martin (Nancy) Luey of Gloversville, and her dear friend Ellen Dennie-Beausang, whom she loved as a little sister.

Karen, or “Kim” as her family so affectionately called her, graduated from Oneida High School, and received her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego, and later earned her master’s in education from Union College.  Karen was adventurous and small but mighty.  After her time at Oswego, she traveled cross country and lived in Los Angeles as a fitness instructor, she was well versed on the function of the body and took great pride in her knowledge.  She spent several years working for United Van Lines and shared the responsibilities of driving a semi-rig moving van up and down the east coast.  She felt very strongly that a woman could do anything a man could do.  She and her former husband, Martin Luey, eventually settled in Gloversville where they raised their 3 sons, Scott, Dane, and Evan.  She was a force to be reckoned with as a mother.  Her pride and concern for her boys and her family had no bounds.  She was compassionate beyond the meaning of the word. Her family and friends meant everything to her.  Karen spent several years working at Planned Parenthood in Gloversville as an educator, going into local schools teaching students about family planning.  She loved to teach, and her work in schools re-ignited her desire to learn and educate, and after earning her master’s degree in education, she taught math and science in the local school districts, East Syracuse and then spent the remainder of her teaching career at James A. Green High School in Dolgeville teaching advanced science classes where she was a positive influence on all her students and encouraged many to pursue their educations in science.  She believed strongly that each student had the potential to do great things and wanted to help them achieve their goals.

Karen was a huge booster of Gloversville youth and high school sports and spent many cold days and evenings on the soccer field sidelines cheering on her boys and their teams; cowbells, were a must. She was a proud original member of Gloversville Women’s Alumni Club, and is so thankful for all their love, friendship, and support.  

Halloween was one of her favorite holidays. She was an excellent seamstress and took great joy in making her family’s costumes.  She was a lover of flamingos, and a fierce advocate for taking care of our planet.  She would drop everything to help anyone and she had many long-cherished friendships from many different aspects of her life.  She loved life to the fullest and will be dearly missed.

Karen was a proud member of North Main United Methodist Church and served in many capacities including Sunday school, multiple craft projects, and most recently as a Communion Steward and member of the usher’s team.

Due to current Covid-19 concerns, there will be no public calling hours.  A private service will take place on January 29^th, and a burial at Prospect Hill Cemetery.  Donations can be made to Gloversville Women’s Alumni Club, Fulton County Regional SPCA, National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or North Main Street United Methodist Church in her memory.

Arrangements are entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville.