Karen S. Welch (Inman) passed away on March 5th, 2026. She was born on June 25, 1956, in Buffalo, New York. She was the daughter of the late Virginia Tapley and William Inman. Karen was the devoted wife of William J. Welch, whom she married in 1976. She made Niagara Falls, New York, her home for 50 years. She was the beloved mother of Alysia “Nickey” Welch-Chester and Jerel Welch. She was the dearest grandmother of Arianna and Isaiah Welch and the great-grandmother of Hayden. She was also a mother-in-love to Beth Welch. Karen was the sister of William Inman (Sylvia) of Georgia, Sheila Jones (Adam) of Illinois, Genevieve Brown of Texas, and Brian Inman (Theresa) of Buffalo. She leaves many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to cherish her memory.

Karen earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Empire State College. She began her career with Buffalo Savings Bank/Gold Dome Bank, progressing to what was then called the "Personnel" department. Working for several companies, including the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of WNY and AirSep Corporation, she was responsible for hiring, training, discipline, benefits administration, and payroll processing. Karen also served on several Advisory Boards for local colleges. Throughout her entire career, Karen earned the respect of both management and staff. She was considered a trusted advisor and became an advocate for employees, believing that everyone - regardless of their job title - deserved to be treated with dignity, honesty, and compassion. After a Human Resources career spanning over 30 years, Karen retired in 2012 as Director of Human Resources for Buffalo Medical Group.

After her retirement, Karen enjoyed spending time with her family and pursuing hobbies, including taking up piano lessons for the first time. She was blessed to fulfill her lifelong dream of travel, extensively throughout the U.S. and Hawaii, as well as two trips to the continent of Africa. She was active in many community organizations, including Literacy Buffalo Niagara, Heart, Love and Soul, Zonta Club of Niagara Falls, Christian Women United of Niagara, and Niagara Organizing Alliance of Hope (NOAH). Karen also proudly served as Election Inspector for both the Niagara County Board of Elections and Niagara Falls School Board.

Karen accepted Christ as her Savior and had a deep faith. She was a member of Mount Erie Missionary Baptist Church. In her Christian Walk, she served in several local churches, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, serving at Vacation Bible School (VBS), serving as a Christian Education Director, and as a Deaconess.

Karen strongly believed that her success was solely attributed to the grace and mercy of God. Her faith sustained her through difficult times. She was grateful that God used her to make a positive difference in others' lives.

Flowers are declined; honor Karen's memory with a donation to Heart, Love and Soul (https://heartloveandsoul.org/) or Literacy Buffalo Niagara (https://literacybuffalo.org/).

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, Niagara Falls, NY. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.