The world has lost a truly unique, innovative and compassionate spirit. Karen Talley of Whitinsville MA, daughter of Jim Talley and Joan (Lindauer) Miller, wife of Edward Wild, mother of Laura and Jamie Folk, beloved “Omi” to Randall Borruso, Trevor Poulin, and Simone Folk passed away at Oasis at Dodge Park in Worcester on Sept. 29, 2018. Born on Christmas Day 1948 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, she attended York Suburban High School in York, PA where she was a cheerleader, math nerd, and graduated Magna Cum Laude, Class of 1967. Karen went on to attend Catholic University in Washington, DC where she again graduated top of her class with a BS in Economics, then later to Fitchburg State College where she received a MS in Early Childhood Education. Karen dedicated her life to helping others, especially young children. As a member of the CCDLA (Council for Child Development Laboratory Administrators) she worked with the Department of Education in Massachusetts as a pioneer, creating standards for early childhood programs. When she was President of the Boston chapter of NAEYC (National Association of the Education of Young Children) she validated local schools, ensuring their standards were met, for the highly acclaimed NAEYC Accreditation. She was also director of the Minuteman Early Childhood Center at Minuteman Technical High School in Lexington MA, a member of the Phi Beta Kappa society, an astute business woman, hilarious jokester, music lover and overall wonderful soul.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at the Marlborough Country Club, 200 Concord Rd. in Marlborough, MA on Nov. 3, 2018 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Karen’s final resting place will be in Mt Rose Cemetery, York, PA next spring. Dirsa – Morin Funeral Home, 298 Grafton St., Worcester is assisting the family.