Prospect - Mrs. Karen P. (Daley) DePalma, age 46, of Prospect, died Monday, December 31, 2012, at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by her loving family and friends. She fought a very courageous eleven year battle with cancer. She was the wife of Joseph DePalma, mother of Joshua Thomas and Jessica Patrice. Karen was born in Waterbury on November 5, 1966 a daughter of Thomas E. Daley of Prospect and the late Patricia (Garbukas) Daley. She attended Region 16 Schools, graduated from St. Margaret McTernan School in Waterbury, UCONN, and University of Bridgeport. Karen worked as a fourth grade teacher for the past fifteen years at the Thomaston Center School. She was a truly devoted teacher who took great pride in her classroom and encouraged her students to grow and learn and "reach higher and persevere". She was recognized for her devotion to teaching by being named Teacher of the Year in 2011. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, Karen became involved in efforts to find a cure and support others who were also battling cancer. In 2002 she was a member of Brave at Heart, a support group for people who are battling cancer and also became involved with Relay for Life for the past eleven years. A recent article in Yale's Centerpoint Magazine details the lives of Karen and her husband who have both been battling cancer at the same time. This article can be read by logging on to Karen was a truly loving and devoted Wife and Mother. She cherished spending as much time with her family as she could, attending her childrens local sporting and dance events. She also enjoyed reading, cooking and baking and socializing with her many friends. Her beautiful blue eyes and smile will be truly missed by all who knew her. Besides her husband and father, Karen is survived by a daughter, Jessica Patrice DePalma of Prospect, a son Joshua Thomas DePalma of Prospect, a sister, Suzan C. Daley of Prospect, a brother, Peter T. Daley of Prospect, her mother in law, Erminia DePalma of Rhode Island, 3 nephews, 2 nieces, and her four dear friends, Lisa Bolton, Gina Denze, Marcia Beltrami and Anne Pringle. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday January 5, 2013 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Prospect. Family and friends are asked to please meet directly at the church. Private burial will be in St. James Cemetery in Naugatuck. Calling hours will be held on Friday January 4, 2013 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home 26 Waterbury Rd. Route 69 Prospect. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the DePalma Children's College Fund c/o Naugatuck Savings Bank 24 Waterbury Rd. Prospect, Ct. 06712