Karen Mesmer Cantwell, 65 of Douglasville, passed away on Sunday, March 10. She was born June 9, 1947 in Syracuse, NY.

Karen was a graduate of West Georgia College and Jacksonville State University. She was a member of the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, the International Honorary Organization of Women Educators, Phi Delta Kappa, ACEI, and PEO. She started her career in 1984 as a kindergarten teacher and taught for 13 years, she then was the assistant Principal at Eastside Elementary School for 3 years and later as assistant Principal and then Principal at Annette Winn Elementary School for 5 years.  Karen was a founding member of St. Theresa Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Doris Wahl Mesmer.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Cantwell; son, Mark Cantwell and wife Fran; son, Michael Cantwell and wife Laura; granddaughter, Lauren Rose Cantwell; grandson, Joseph Michael Cantwell; brothers, William Mesmer, Paul Mesmer and his wife Bibi.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, March 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service following at 8 p.m. The funeral service will be Friday, March 15, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church with Father William Mesmer officiating.

Burial will be at a later date in Locust Hill Cemetery, Hobart, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Karen Cantwell to the Alpha Sigma Chapter, Local Scholarship Fund, c/o Sheila Miller, President, 4490 Bronte Lane, Douglasville, GA 30135.

Express condolences or share a special memory at www.whitleygarner.com.

Arrangements by: Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA 30134, 770-942-4246.