Karen Maguire left us with heavy hearts when she passed on October 23, 2024. She was 57.

Born on March 27, 1967 to Mary Maguire (née Lawless) and James Maguire (deceased), Karen was a shy yet inquisitive child who consistently demonstrated her innate love of learning. Karen grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan and was a proud graduate of Good Shepherd and Mount Saint Ursula. Staying close to home in Riverdale, she went on to Manhattan College School of Engineering, where she graduated with honors. After graduation, Karen began an impressive 30-year career with Verizon, then known as NYNEX. While rising to various executive positions within the company, Karen received her MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s acclaimed Wharton Executive MBA Program. Karen was known both professionally and personally for her sharp mind, candid disposition, and unparalleled generosity. A champion of higher education, she served as a mentor to many, and her influence will certainly live on in those who were fortunate enough to benefit from her selfless guidance and support.  \

Beyond all, Karen was wholeheartedly devoted to her family. Always providing guidance and support to her sisters, nieces, cousins and more, she was the first - and often only - stop for anyone in need of sound advice. There is a long list of people who owe their education and careers to Karen's generosity. And there was nobody more genuinely proud of others' accomplishments than Karen.

Unfortunately, shortly after Karen’s retirement in August of 2020 came the return of breast cancer she had survived several years prior. The first surgeon Karen visited felt the cancer was too far gone to be treated, but Karen would not accept such a prognosis. With the support of her family and the exceptional team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Karen lived for four more challenging, yet joy-filled years, earning her new nickname “Wonder Woman”. Karen was an unprecedented example of strength, perseverance, and willpower. She never missed a birthday, a graduation, or any milestone set by her nieces or cousins during this trying time.

Karen was loved by so many. She was predeceased by her loving father James and her aunt Eileen Forkin.  Karen leaves behind her mother Mary, who was by her side throughout her illness, caring for her with tireless devotion and attention. Karen leaves behind her sisters, Christine Maguire, Laura Maguire Orzo and Jacqui Maguire, her brothers-in-law, Steve Orzo and Gary Schlosberg, her uncle Thomas Forkin, and her dear cousins Thomas Forkin, Brian Forkin, and Janet and Paul Grech, as well as their children, Thomas, Brendan, Alexandra, James, Robert, Jillian and Phoebe, as well as her step-mother Joyce Fiorentino Maguire. Karen generously gathered this group together for weeks-long trips at the beach every summer, cementing a strong bond between her extended families.

Karen’s impact was perhaps felt most in her relationship with her grown nieces, Jessica (20) and Nicole (14). They were a constant source of joy and affection for their aunt, bringing out Karen’s adventurous side through trips abroad and visits to amusement parks. When her younger nieces were born, you knew where to find Karen - usually on the floor playing and building with Julia (9) and Alexis (7). And Karen was determined to meet her newest niece, which she did joyfully when Evie arrived last month.

A memorial gathering for Karen will be held on Sunday, October 27 from 2-6pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Karen’s name to support breast cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/KarenMaguire. Most importantly, please remember Karen with an act of kindness, a helping hand, or a show of courage - all of the things that were part of how she lived each day.