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LOWELLVILLE -- Mary Karen A. McGarry, 71, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her, at Hospice House.
Karen was born May 13, 1954, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Paul and Ellen Rose Connor Dennison.
She graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School and then continued her education at Youngstown State and Kent State universities, where she earned a bachelor's degree in nursing. She started working at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital in 1979 before finding her true passion at Challenges Options in Aging in New Castle, Pa., where she worked for over 23 years before retiring.
She met her husband in the most unexpectedly perfect place -- at Perkins. He was a cowboy, and from that simple meeting came 48 years of marriage filled with laughter, fun and a whole lot of love. They truly enjoyed life together. Dinner dates always included dessert (that part was nonnegotiable) and they never missed a chance to make an ordinary evening feel special.
She filled her days with the things she loved. She taught yoga, gently encouraging others to slow down and take care of themselves -- even though she was usually the last to put herself first. She adored flowers and was a devoted patron of Fellows Riverside Gardens, often spending peaceful hours there and tending to her own plants at home. She loved getting dressed up and heading out to a nice restaurant, savoring good food and even better company.
She had a deep appreciation for the arts and rarely missed a show at the Youngstown Playhouse or the Hopewell Theatre. Evenings at the theater were some of her favorites -- she loved the energy, the storytelling and supporting the local arts community.
Her friendships meant the world to her, especially her bond with her best friend, Jeanne. The two of them were like Thelma and Louise -- inseparable, a little adventurous and always ready for whatever came next. Whether it was a night out, a spontaneous plan or just long conversations filled with laughter, they were a duo in the truest sense of the word.
She had an open heart for everyone. She never forgot a birthday or special milestone -- a card or thoughtful gift would always arrive right on time. Caring for others came naturally to her. But above all, she treasured her family. Time spent with her grandchildren was her greatest joy. She loved deeply, gave generously and leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness and a life well lived.
Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Daniel McGarry; her daughter, Ellie McGarry; her grandchildren, Layla McGarry, Nellie, Esme and Dallas Bolen; her brothers, Tim Dennison and Patrick (Gail) Dennison; and her lifelong best friend, Jeanne Greco.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Daniel McGarry.
Friends and family will be received 4 to 5:50 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland, followed immediately by a funeral service beginning at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material contributions be made to Fellows Riverside Gardens and the D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.
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