Karel M. (Ames) Mace

Karel M. (Ames) Mace, 78, of Canton, New York, passed away unexpectedly on September 3, 2025. She was born on December 26, 1946, in Canton to the late Charles and Katheryn (Burke) Ames. Karel grew up as one of 13 children on the family farm and carried those roots with her throughout her life. She graduated Canton High School in 1964 as a proud Golden Bear.

She married Michael M. Mace, also of Canton on October 9, 1971 at St. Mary's Church, Canton. From their first real encounter at the infamous Evergreens, they built their lives around each other, raised two children and were a dynamic duo until Mike's death in December, 2014.

She had an innate pride and love of her family, was fiercely loyal and beyond generous to those she loved. Her loving survivors include her son, Brian and Deborah Mace of Dayton, OH and their children Olivia and Owen; daughter, Jodi Mace of Somerville, MA; sister, Eleanor (Jim) Cassoni of Carthage, NY; brother, Leo (Cheryl) Ames of Canton; sister, Janet (Everett) Aldous of Colton, NY; sister, Kathy Fountain of Canton; in-laws, Rick and Christine Mace of Colton, Pat and Helen Mace of Canton; and so many nieces, nephews, cousins, and granddogs who all deserve to be named individually because each one held a special place in Karel's life. Although we would run out of room naming everyone, Karel never ran out of room in her heart and felt very lucky to have such a large family.

Over the years, she spent a lot of time on genealogy and working on the Ames family tree (although she did forget to add her own daughter to that tree!). Through this work, she met several new cousins and excitedly welcomed them into the family. She is predeceased by siblings, Elizabeth and Milton (Liz/Betty and Mitz) Acra of Middletown, Ohio, Charles and Mary Ames of Canton, Arthur and Betty Ames of Madrid, NY, Don and Dot Ames of Canton, Clarence and Shirley Ames of Canton, Joseph Ames of Canton, Margaret Ames of Canton, Ruth Robar of Potsdam, Sharon and Ros Simmons of Ancram, NY; and brothers-in-law, Jim Cassoni of Carthage and Everett Aldous of Canton.

As a senior in high school, she began her career happily making $1/hour at the bank. She stayed in banking for almost ten years, leaving with lots of great memories that she loved to recount. Karel then moved on to work for St. Lawrence County for 35 years and retired in 2009 from the accounting department.

Quick with a smile and a laugh (even at herself), Karel enjoyed all of life's moments - big and small. She was always up for an adventure. She loved her countless road trips to Ohio and Boston, winters in Florida meeting new friends and learning new games, cruises, trips to Jamaica, Ireland, Arizona, Alaska, Vermont, and bus trips to Canada and Nova Scotia. She also loved coming back to Canton after every trip. Born and raised in Canton, it was always truly home for Karel and Mike in every sense of the word. They shared a strong love of this community and celebrated the people of the North Country (which, for Karel, were mostly relatives anyway!).

Over the years, Karel enjoyed many hobbies and was always excited to pick up new ones. She enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, traveling, golf, boating, spending summers on Higley, reading, and rarely met a card game she didn't love. Karel and Mike shared a love of quick trips to the casino where Karel somehow managed to lose the exact amount that Mike won. They left breaking even and laughing the whole way home. Karel looked forward to her weekly Pedro night and catching up with the crew in Russell. She was in various cribbage clubs over the years and her favorite thing was sharing her love and teaching someone a new game. Karel loved her nickel-nickel and hand and foot crews and always enjoyed their get-togethers. She was never far from a deck of cards and spent most summer nights at Higley at the card table. Although it rarely worked, she was a firm believer that complaining about her cards was the only way to change her luck. We will miss her "senior moments" (aka cheating) and her endless threats that "if that were trump, you would all be in trouble." Much like everything in life, she made the card table lively and fun.

Karel was also a long-time member of St. Mary's parish, the Canton Club, Canton Sportsman Club, St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Club, and auxiliary member of the Canton VFW Post 1231. While spending winters in Florida, Karel and Mike also joined the national American Cribbage Congress - Club 147 Port Charlotte. After Mike passed away, Karel and her sisters Janet and Kathy continued to spend winters in Florida sharing endless laughs, macaroni and tomatoes, and games of hand and foot.

Calling hours will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 7th, at O'Leary Funeral Home, 5821 US Highway 11 in Canton. A funeral mass will be held for Karel on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Church in Canton. Burial will follow at Brick Chapel Cemetery. After the burial, the family will be celebrating Karel's life at the Canton VFW. All who loved her are welcome to join us and toast her memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canton Booster's Club or the Canton Rescue Squad (make checks payable to Canton Golden Bears Boost Club 99 State Street, Canton, NY 13617 or the Canton Rescue Squad 77 Riverside Drive, Canton, NY 13617).

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Karel M. (Ames) Mace are under the care of the O'Leary Funeral Service of Canton