Obituary of Carmel Delaney

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carmel Mary Delaney, a woman whose spirit shone brightly and touched the lives of so many. 

 Carmel passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and unwavering dedication to her family and passions. Born on July 23, 1962, in Queens, NY, to Jim and Maureen Gallagher, Carmel's life was a tapestry woven with threads of family, travel, and a deep connection to her Irish heritage. 

 Raised in Horseheads, NY, and later Bardonia, Carmel's summers spent in Ireland instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for her family's roots. She excelled academically, graduating from Albertus Magnus High School in 1981 and Cornell University in 1985.  

Carmel's professional life was marked by both success and purpose. After 15 years with Procter & Gamble, where she met her beloved husband, Chris, she founded International Educational Resources, a testament to her passion for education and helping others. 

 Her career took her and Chris on an extraordinary journey, living and working in seven countries across four continents, enriching their lives with diverse experiences and lasting friendships. 

 Beyond her professional achievements, Carmel was a woman of vibrant hobbies and deep affections. Her love for horses, nurtured on her family's farm in County Tipperary, Ireland, led her to become an accomplished rider and racehorse owner.  

An avid hiker, she explored trails across the globe, from Australia to Iceland, with the Catskills holding a special place in her heart.  

She found joy in gardening, especially when sharing the experience with her granddaughter, Charlotte, and discovered a newfound passion for knitting during the COVID pandemic.  

Carmel was predeceased by her sister, Joan (1993), her mother, Maureen (2021), and her father-in-law, Robert (2021).  

She is survived by her loving father, Jim Gallagher; her devoted husband, Chris; her cherished children, Sean, Kathleen, Kevin, and Michael; her adored grandchildren, Charlotte and Christopher; and her children's partners, Tara, Ellie, and Yasmin. 

 Carmel's warmth, kindness, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, a testament to a life lived fully and with boundless love. 

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, March 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Tuesday, April 1st from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Decker Funeral Home 5312 Route, Windham. 

 
Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 2nd at 11:00 AM at St. Theresa Of the Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church 5188 NY 23, Windham, Services will be officiated by Father Jay Atherton. 

RECEPTION Location Prominence Restaurant 55 NY-296, Windham, NY 12496 Date/time Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 12:30-4pm 

Condolences may be left at www.deckerfh.com.  

PLEASE use the following link to RSVP. 
  
  https://www.online-tribute.com/CarmelDelaney

In honour of Carmel's life, we invite you to contribute to a cause that was very dear to her heart, the Cape Eleuthera Foundation Island School. This program shaped her childrens' lives so impactfully, and will help provide the same education opportunities for our next generation.

In order for us to track the donations made in her name, please donate under the name of Carmel Delaney.

You can make your donations at https://islandschool.org/give/