Adams - Karen J. Dutton, 73, of East Church Street, died Wednesday morning, peacefully at her home under the care of her loving family and Hospice of Jefferson County. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00am Saturday, December 15, at Saint Cecilia’s Church, Adams, with Rev. Patrick Ratigan officiating. Burial will follow in the Rural Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Friday, 4:00-8:00 pm at the Piddock Funeral Home, Adams.

Born January 25, 1939 at the family home in Attica, NY, daughter of J. Leonard and Hellen Kollwitz Murphy. She was a 1956 graduate of Attica Central High School and a 1958 graduate from Alfred State Tech with a degree in accounting. Karen worked for Niagara Mohawk in Attica before marrying the love of her life Eric J. Dutton on April 4, 1959 at Saint Vincent Depaul Church in Attica. Following their marriage the couple lived in Potsdam and Norfolk before moving to Adams in 1962. While raising their three children, she managed the former Pine Cleaners before working for Dobbins Auto Parts in Adams. She then went on to manage the Advantage Auto Parts store in Watertown Center where she retired.

Surviving besides her husband Eric J., Adams, are their three children, Katharine Dutton, Oswego, Richard and wife Marcia, Limerick, and Christopher, Auburn; six grandchildren, a sister, Connie (Robert) Petts, Roanoke, IN; a brother Paul Murphy, Newark, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents and sister in law, Nancy Murphy who died July 5, 2012.

Karen has always been an avid sports competitor. She started golf as a young teenager and at age 16 won the Attica Golf Club’s Ladies Championship. Numerous times she was the Women’s Club Champion at the former Tomacy’s Golf Course and later the Adams Country Club, and a six time winner of the NY State Cheese Manufacturer’s Association Ladies Golf Tournament. For many years she was an avid bowler at the South Jeff Lanes during which time she bowled in numerous tournaments. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cross stitching, knitting and was an accomplished quilter.

She was a communicant of Saint Cecilia’s Church, former Girl Scout Leader and a member of the Adams County Club. Throughout the years she was secretary of many golf and bowling leagues.

In 2010, Karen was awarded by the South Jefferson Lions Club the Robert Uplinger Award for Community Service.

Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601,the South Jefferson Rescue Squad, PO Box 126, Adams, NY 12605 or the South Jefferson Lions Club @ S. Sayyeau, 269 Seymour Street, Watertown, NY 13601

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