Karen M. Eddy

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Karen Michelle Eddy, 57, of Norwich, who passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. After a long and courageous battle with diabetes, pneumonia, and ultimately stage 4 lung cancer, Karen's remarkable fighting spirit came to rest. Throughout every challenge she faced, she demonstrated extraordinary strength, resilience, and determination, leaving behind a legacy of love that will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to have known her.

Karen was born on October 2, 1969, in Norwich, to Rosalind Lasswell and Jim Cranston and was lovingly adopted by Merritt and Rose “Teddi” Nellis. She grew up in Earlville alongside her parents and three brothers, where she created many treasured childhood memories and attended Sherburne-Earlville School.

From a young age, Karen had an adventurous spirit and a passion for staying active. She participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including dance- with tap dancing holding a special place in her heart, softball, and her high school's slalom ski team. Whether she was dancing, competing, or trying something new, Karen embraced life's opportunities with enthusiasm and determination.

Following high school, Karen attended Herkimer County Community College, where she studied travel and tourism. Her education helped nurture what would become a lifelong love of travel and exploring the world. Karen was fortunate to turn that passion into a career, allowing her to experience new places, cultures, and adventures both across the United States and abroad. Her travels took her to many destinations, including France, England, and Germany. The memories and experiences she collected along the way became an important part of her story and reflected her curiosity, independence, and love for adventure.

After years of traveling, pursuing her dreams, and building her career, Karen eventually returned to her roots and settled in Norwich, where she worked for a local travel agency. It was during this chapter of her life that she reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Scott Eddy. Their reunion marked the beginning of a beautiful new chapter, one filled with family, love, and countless memories.

When Karen and Scott reunited, he introduced her to his five-year-old daughter, Hannah. From that moment forward, Karen became an incredibly important and loving presence in Hannah's life. She embraced her role wholeheartedly, helping raise Hannah and standing beside her through the many milestones, challenges, and celebrations that followed. The two shared a special bond through their love of horseback riding, music, and sports. Karen was one of Hannah's biggest cheerleaders throughout her athletic career, always offering encouragement, support, and a familiar face on the sidelines. Her love and dedication extended far beyond the title of stepmother, and the relationship they built over the years was one that Hannah will forever hold close to her heart.

Above all else, Karen's greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a mother to her beloved son, Noah. From the moment he entered her life, he became the center of her world. Karen devoted herself wholeheartedly to supporting him, celebrating his accomplishments, and being present for every moment she could. Whether it was a baseball game, a wrestling match, or another important milestone, Karen could always be counted on to be there, cheering him on with pride. She became the ultimate baseball mom, not only to Noah but also to the many teammates and friends who became part of their lives throughout the years. The friendships, memories, and bonds formed along the sidelines and in the stands were something Karen truly treasured. Nothing made her prouder than watching Noah grow, pursue his passions, and become the young man he is today.

In recent years, Karen was blessed with another role that brought an entirely new kind of happiness to her life: becoming “Nana” to her three adored grandchildren; Paxton, Palmer, and Prescott. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she embraced being their Nana with overwhelming love and pride. From the simplest everyday moments to family gatherings and special celebrations, time spent with her grandchildren was precious to her. They brought immeasurable joy, laughter, and light into her life, and she treasured the opportunity to watch them grow. The love she poured into her grandchildren will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Karen will be remembered for her strength, her adventurous spirit, and, most importantly, the tremendous love she had for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, Nana, sister, daughter, niece, and friend whose presence made a lasting impact on so many lives. She understood the importance of showing up for the people she loved, whether that meant cheering from the sidelines, celebrating life's milestones, or simply being there when someone needed her.

Throughout her life, and especially during her most difficult days, Karen demonstrated a level of courage and perseverance that those around her will never forget. Although her final years brought challenges that no one should have to endure, she continued to fight with remarkable determination. Her illness was only one chapter of a life filled with adventure, love, laughter, family, and countless meaningful moments.

Karen is survived by her loving family, including her husband, Scott Eddy; her daughter, Hannah (Matt); her beloved son, Noah; and her three cherished grandchildren; Paxton, Palmer, and Prescott. She is also survived by her four brothers, Steven (Janice), Kevin (Margerette), Gary, and Jason; her sister, Megan (Andy); and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

While Karen's passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, the memories she created and the love she gave will continue to live on. Her legacy can be found in the family she cherished, the children she helped raise, the grandchildren who brought her so much joy, and the many lives she touched along the way.

Karen may no longer be here to cheer from the sidelines, but her love, encouragement, and unwavering support will be felt through every milestone, every victory, and every moment still to come. She will forever be their biggest cheerleader.

A Memorial Mass for Karen will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Church of St. Paul’s, 30 Pleasant Street, Norwich, NY. Family and friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, 68 South Broad Street, Norwich, NY on Thursday, November 5, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.