Karen Liptak Obituary

Liptak, Karen
KINDERHOOK - Surrounded by her daughters, Karen Ann (D'Arcy) Liptak passed away on August 8, 2025, after enduring a brief yet difficult illness. Right up until the very end, Karen exhibited the compassion, gratitude, grace, and love that she embodied throughout her entire life.
Born on January 19, 1947, to Walter Scott D'Arcy and Mary Delores Barney of Rensselaer, N.Y., Karen attended St. John's Academy in Rensselaer, graduated in 1965, and married Michael J. Liptak in 1968. Together, they raised three daughters in Kinderhook, Michelle, Nicole, and Amy. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Karen worked for over 20 years for the Ichabod Crane school district as a valued and dutiful administrative assistant. She was commonly recognized for her kindness and commitment toward her work, colleagues, students, parents, and other community members. Over the years, she also assisted at Carolina House, the family's long-running restaurant located in Kinderhook, where she shared innumerable memories with family and friends. In 2003, Karen retired so that she could be available to her grandchildren. She would regularly help out with childcare and could frequently be seen at milestone events, offering unwavering support and encouragement.
More than anything, Karen, or "Grammy" as she was fondly referred to, adored spending time with her daughters and their families. Over the years, she faithfully prepared to make birthdays, holidays, and other notable events both memorable and special. She loved her cats and was an avid knitter of cherished sweaters, scarves, and blankets.
While she never liked to be the center of attention, Karen held a prominent place in her family. She was always available to talk, provided sound advice, and rarely passed judgement. Her impact, while seemingly quiet, is immeasurable, and the family deeply mourns her departure though recognizes and appreciates that she is finally at peace.
Karen was predeceased by her mother, father, stepfather, Joseph Murphy; brother, Eric D'Arcy (Janice); and husband. She is survived by her stepbrother; Dana Murphy (Diane), her three daughters, Michelle (Robert Pesano), Nicole, and Amy (Michael Aiello); and her nine grandchildren, Christian and Rachel Pesano, Emily, Abigail, Lily, and Kevin Canuteson, Olivia and Jared Cook, and Michael Aiello Jr.
Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with Karen's family on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer. A funeral home service will follow at noon. Online condolence may be offered at www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com