Karen Ann Mulcahy

In the early morning hours of September 6, 2026, Karen Mulcahy, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. Karen was born June 27, 1948, in Bottineau, North Dakota. She was the fourth of eight children of Elnor (Bjornseth) and George Hurlbert. Karen married William “Bill” Fleming, and together they had four children. They later divorced, and Karen continued to put her entire self into raising her children.

Family was very important to Karen. She helped coordinate and plan annual family picnics, Christmas gatherings, and other family events that at times included over seventy family members in attendance. Everyone always asked her to bring her famous baked beans for the family to enjoy. One of the greatest pleasures in her life was spending time with her 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In 1994, she met the love of her life, Patrick Mulcahy. Together they went on many adventures through Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, Canada, and as far away as Ireland. When Karen and Pat married in 2007, her family grew even larger, as he was the father of four children. Karen loved planning their adventures in life and taking care of Pat and the household as they grew older.

Karen could be a little bit sassy and always had a quick comeback. During her last days, she made everyone smile as she continued to joke with her family, friends, and caregivers with wit and spunk.

Karen was a caregiver to her family and in her career. Karen worked as a Psychiatric Technician caring for clients at the Montana State Hospital until she retired in 2002 after thirty years of service. After her retirement, Karen worked at multiple gaming establishments in Butte and Anaconda, always enjoying the customer interactions.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Elnor Hurlbert; brothers Donny, Gerome, and Duane Hurlbert; sisters Gloria Forward and Marlys Hurlbert; her oldest son Randy Fleming; and granddaughters Taylor and MacKenzie Fleming. She is survived by her husband, Pat Mulcahy; her son, Rob Fleming; daughter Trish (Pete) Driver; daughter Kimberly (Paul) Rebich; daughter-in-law Karlee Fleming; daughter Jodi (Arnie) Salcido; daughter Jackee (Terry) McDonald; daughter Kim (Bill) Foley; son Michael Mulcahy; sister Nancy (Serge) Myers; brother David (Cheryl) Hurlbert; sister-in-law Kathy Hurlbert; sister-in-law Pat Hurlbert; sister-in-law Teri (Bill) Tregear; 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life is planned for September 25, 2026, at the Croatian Hall in Anaconda at 1:00 PM. If you would like, feel free to bring a dish to share as we celebrate Karen’s wonderful life.

During her last days, Karen talked about seeing angels and puppies and laughed because she was aware no one else saw them. This poem by an unknown author says it all.

"You saw the angels standing in line

Reaching out hands so soft and divine

And right beside them, running free

Were puppies playing by a crystal sea

No more pain, no more fear

Just perfect peace as you drew near"

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory have been privileged to care for Karen and her family.