Karen (nee Heinlen) was born on April 25, 1956, in Germany, while her father served as a dentist in the U.S. Army. She grew up in southeastern Michigan, graduating from Our Lady of Mercy High School and the University of Michigan School of Nursing. Karen was raised in a home on Upper Long Lake in Bloomfield Hills with her parents, Catherine and Richard Heinlen, the oldest of six children. Attending Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) summer camp and going on family vacations to National Parks heightened Karen’s appreciation for nature and adventure.

Karen visited Montreal for the 1976 Summer Olympics and it reinforced her respect for the goodwill of the Olympic Games. This inspired her move to Lake Placid prior to the 1980 Winter Olympics where she fell in love with the mountains and lakes as well as her husband, Brian Delaney. Brian first noticed Karen while skiing at Whiteface Mountain and then at St. Agnes Church and knew that she was the woman he was destined to marry.

Brian and Karen married in October of 1982 and moved from Lake Placid to Cazenovia, where Karen worked as a nurse and got her start in the outdoor industry at Lund’s Ski Shop in Dewitt while Brian managed the Toggenburg ski area. They then returned to Lake Placid in 1983 and established High Peaks Cyclery — High Peaks Mountain Guides, businesses that continue to be a well-respected regional resource for outdoor recreation, education, and experiences. While their business was still in its infancy, Karen and Brian grew their family with the birth of four children in six years: Shannon, Matt, Kate, and Colin.

Even with the time requirements of operating a family-owned, small business, Karen maintained her nursing license and worked, as time permitted, as a school and camp nurse. She taught swim lessons to children for many years and guided trips for the Lake Placid Outing Club, encouraging students to embrace the outdoors and try new activities. Karen and Brian also hosted many groups of all ages, from the U.S. as well as international locations, through High Peaks Mountain Guides.

In 2022, Karen was instrumental in her support of Brian and the Town of North Elba when Scotts Cobble Nordic Center was opened and operated by High Peaks Cyclery. This led to the beginning of the Lake Placid Community Nordic Ski Program at Scotts Cobble that has seen 100 K-6 students get on skis every Friday in the winter with free equipment and lessons led by volunteers. Karen was passionate about seeing the next generation learn and develop within the Lake Placid community.

Karen was an accomplished athlete, a testament of her determination and fortitude. She hiked all 115 mountain peaks above 4,000 feet in the Northeastern U.S., completed the Boston Marathon, competed at the World Masters Championship and the American Birkebeiner in cross country skiing, skied the European Alps Haute Route two times, completed the North East Epoch in seven days on a ski/hike adventure, and was a competitor at local races. When not participating in a Lake Placid athletic event, Karen could often be found volunteering including as a life guard on Mirror Lake for the High Peaks Cyclery mini-triathlon series or assisting at the Olympic ski jumps and cross country ski venues.

Karen was devout in her Catholic faith at Saint Agnes Church and in her service to others. All four children attended Saint Agnes School and she helped the school community at many events such as the annual Christmas Bazaar. She also quietly assisted many individuals in need within the Lake Placid community with her generosity and resourcefulness.

Karen was known for her positive attitude and smile. She had enduring patience and always provided encouragement. Karen had a sincere and kind personality, constantly thinking of and including other individuals along her life journey.

Karen is survived by her husband, Brian P. Delaney, her children, Shannon Delaney, Matthew (Emily) Delaney, Katherine (Tyler) Socash, and Colin (Caitlin) Delaney as well as her grandchildren, Phoebe Socash and Tessa Delaney, with two additional grandchildren on the way in 2026. Karen also cherished close relationships with her siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She loved gatherings of family and friends!

Visitation will be held at M.B. Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at Saint Agnes Church, starting with a Rosary led by the Catholic Daughters at 11:30 a.m. and Mass commencing at 12 p.m. This will be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the Scotts Cobble Nordic Center in Lake Placid. Karen’s favorite color was red, therefore wearing an article or accessory of red clothing is encouraged. Time will be set aside at Scotts Cobble to share memories of Karen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Karen’s memory to Saint Agnes School (Lake Placid), the Lake Placid Outing Club, the Lake Placid Public Library or The Brigid Project.

Karen will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, devotion to family, and the lasting impact she made on the Lake Placid community. She will be deeply missed and will forever be a part of our world through her love of nature and helping others find joy and inspiration in it. We will always find her close to us in the beauty of each day.