WATERLOO– Kaaren Kay Gerlach, 83, passed away unexpectedly (October 15, 2023) in Geneva General Hospital, Geneva, NY.

A celebration of life will be 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (November 19), at the Waterloo Memorial Post 6433, VFW, 29 W. Elisha St., Waterloo, N.Y. A private graveside service will take place on November 20, 2023 in Maple Grove Cemetery, Waterloo, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Literacy Volunteers of Seneca County, 1 DiPronio Drive, Waterloo, N.Y., 13165 or Trevor's Gift, Main St. Shoppe Center, Suite 212 Waterloo, N.Y., 13165.

Kaaren was born June 1, 1940, the daughter of George Washington and Catherine Frances (Craver) Gerlach. She was a 1958 graduate of Waterloo Central High school and received a Bachelor's degree in education from SUNY Oswego. Kaaren taught at Genesee Elementary School in Auburn for many years. Kaaren loved Waterloo and its history and her teaching went far beyond the classroom. She was active in community projects including co-founder of Trevor's Gift, co-chair of parade and volunteer for Celebrate Commemorate, program director and tutor for Literacy Volunteers, and participant in many 4H activities. She was a co-writer of the history of Waterloo book that was completed in 2002.

Kaaren was the most loyal friend who always answered her phone and made sure her family and friends were safe and had everything they needed and wanted.

She is survived by her daughter Tasha L. Olschewske of Waterloo, N.Y.; sister Margaret Mahoney of Winter Haven, Fla.; grandson Oliver Olschewske of Waterloo, N.Y.; nieces Dana A. (Greg) Hillman of Winter Haven, Fla., Tracy Mahoney of Sebring, Fla., Sue (Rossano) Mahoney of Lakeland, Fla.; and several great-nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents.