Mary Katherine Karl, age 88, a lifelong New Canaan resident died Saturday March 7, 2015 in her New Canaan home with her loving family by her side. Born in New Canaan July 11, 1926 she was the daughter of the late Leo and Rose Kelley Karl. Mary K. Karl was a true New Canaan native, making numerous contributions to the local community including being an active parishioner of St. Aloysius Church, delivering Meals on Wheels, providing transportation and aid to the elderly, and a long-time member of the Our Ladies Guild. Her most notable contribution to our community was the 35 years she served as school nurse in the New Canaan School System; including St. Aloysius, East School, and Saxe Middle School, before retiring in 1991. Mary was born and raised on Carter Street, where she resided her entire life. She was educated by her Aunt Mary and namesake at the Little Red School House just up the road. She graduated New Canaan High School in 1943. She attended St. Francis Hospital in Hartford to obtain her nursing degree before she graduated St. Joseph’s College in 1951 with a BS in Child Psychology. Her dedication and compassion toward her patients, family, and the community at large transcended generations. She was an accomplished, independent, witty, and inspirational woman who embodied the concept of “generosity of spirit.” She answered innumerable “911” calls from her nieces and nephews providing anything from medical support to sage advice. She leaves behind a family full of taste buds that will forever search for that perfect chocolate chip cookie, English muffin bread, or gingerbread man baked with love. Mary is survived by her brother, Leo E. Karl Jr. and his wife Katherine of New Canaan, her sister-in-law, Margaret Karl of Trumbull, CT , 18 nieces and nephews and 34 great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her three brothers Msgr. Edward Karl, Paul Karl and Harry Karl and his wife Marion. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday March 11, 2015 at 10:30 AM at St. Aloysius Church, Cherry St. New Canaan. Interment will be in the family plot in St Johns Cemetery, Norwalk. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 4 to 8PM at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan, CT In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ‘Mary Karl Fund’ held within the Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County: PO Box 489, Wilton, CT, 06897 or by visiting www.visitingnurse.net. Contributions will benefit the continuing education of our local nurses via this scholarship fund; established upon her retirement in 1991.