PLATTSBURGH — Colleen E. Kanaly, 87, formerly of Dannemora and most recently of Lake Forest, died peacefully Friday March 1, 2013 at CVPH Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Plattsburgh on Sept. 8, 1925 the daughter of Earl and Bessie (Mulvey) Arnold.
She married Robert Kanaly in 1948 in Willsboro, N.Y. He died on Sept. 1, 1995.
Colleen was a retired teacher, serving the students in the Saranac Central School District until her retirement after 30 years of service. Teaching was an important part of her life, as she continued educating adults through the Literacy Volunteers of America program. She was a member of the New York State United Teachers and Champlain Valley Retired Teachers. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served on the Advisory Board for the Aging.
Colleen's favorite memories were created through the time spent with her family. Growing up on a farm in Harkness taught her the true meaning of family, the importance of creating traditions, and fostering relationships. Her legacy will carry on with her family, who will miss her dearly.
Colleen is survived by her five children and their families, Michael and Dianne Kanaly of Halfmoon, N.Y., Karen Lopez of Port Kent, Scott and Patricia Kanaly of Dannemora, Mary Lou LaRocque-Megarr of Plattsburgh, and Larry and Tammy Kanaly of Black Lake, N.Y. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jude Kanaly and his son Robert; Sean and Jennifer Kanaly and their children Sage, Ryan, and Hannah; Chad and Jocelyn Lopez and their children Caitlyn, Aiden and Landon; Melanie Lopez; Nicole and Jason LeClaire and their son Dylan; Shannon and Anthony D'Abruzzo and their children Karina, Gia, Maria, and Anna; Jill and Chris Demers and their children Katie, Ryan and Jack; Eric and Kim LaRocque and their daughter Jacqueline; Elisa Megarr; and Jordan, Megan and Zachary Kanaly. Also surviving are her brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Barbara Kanaly and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Colleen was predeceased by her parents as well as her brother, George Arnold.
Calling Hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at the R. W. Walker Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at the Harkness Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday March 8, 2013.
The family would like to thank Karen Richards for her caring and compassionate ways with Colleen.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Robert and Colleen Kanaly Scholarship Fund, being awarded yearly to a student graduating from the Saranac Central School District. Donations can be sent to Saranac Central School, P.O. Box 8, Saranac, NY, 12981 in care of Sean Kanaly.
Online condolences may be made to www.rwwalkerfh.com.
Arrangements are in care of the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh.
