Obituaries

     Karen A. Madden, 53, (wife of Dickie Bateman), a resident of New Haven, passed away at the Oswego Hospital on July 31, 2014.

     Born in Schenectady, NY, she was a daughter of Patrick and Theresa "Terry" (Morinelli) Madden. She graduated from Draper School, having been a member of the cheerleading team, a flute player in the band and class president. Karen continued her education at SUNY Oswego, earning a bachelor and master's degree in education. She enjoyed the area so much that she never left, finding employment and friends here in the area.

     During her time at SUNY, she received a student teaching placement at New Haven Elementary, and following her graduation, returned to a full-time position where she remained for the next 27 years. Karen dedicated her life to teaching, and more importantly, touching the lives of countless students with whom she shared her passion for learning. Most recently she felt privileged to institute and supervise the new Math Mania program at New Haven Elementary.

     In her time away from the classroom, she loved spending time on her boat, fishing and relaxing. Karen treasured her time at her new dream home, the "Lake House", spending time with her cats, Terribelle and Selfisha, who will miss her dearly.

     Surviving, besides her parents, is her husband, Dickie Bateman, with whom she spent the past 30 years. Karen is survived by her sister, Kathleen (Christopher) Massaroni of Voorheesville, NY and nephews Kevin and Christopher and niece Jenna. She is also survived by her in-laws, Richard and Karen Bateman; brother in law Brian (Laura) Bateman; sisters in law Kim (Chet) Fantom, niece Alexa, nephew Mason; and Tammy (Bill) Hammond and nephew Nate and her "partner-in-crime", niece Abby Hammond.

     Friends may call on Wednesday, August 6th from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dowdle Funeral Home.

     Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

     Mexico Academy Central Schools Alumni Association (MACS Alumni Association) in Memory of Karen Madden.

     Proceeds will be used to create a lasting memory at New Haven Elementary School, where Karen devoted her career.

     The family would also like to extend their thanks to the Oswego Hospital for their help and kindness.