Karin Fires

Rochester, New York: Karin Fires (nee Draheim) passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 17, 2026. Many thanks to the Elder and Palliative Care staff at Highland Hospital for their kind, attentive and compassionate oversight throughout Karin’s final months.

Karin is survived by her brother, Kim Draheim (Diane), daughter Kelly Mandarano (Chris), daughter Jessica Fires (Sean), stepson Robert Figueroa (Kim), and four granddaughters: Ember Whann, Lily Marks and Katherine and Jennifer Mandarano.

For much of her life, Karin was a self-employed entrepreneur with a tremendous passion for wildlife, environmental conservation and exotic pet rescue. She founded the non-profit organization Wildlife Educators Coalition (WEC) to rescue animals of all kinds – and then showcase them in educational programs at schools, parks and festivals. Over the years, WEC worked with multiple Rochester city schools, Hillside facilities and groups such as AutismUp and the Autism Nature Trail to provide information about wildlife habitats, different species and how to help ensure their survival.

Throughout her life, Karin also travelled extensively, spending eight years living in Budapest, Hungary. She made friends throughout the world and established a tightly knit network of like-minded animal lovers and rescuers.

In Karin’s memory, please consider a donation to Hearthside Cats, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit no-kill cat shelter located in Geneseo, New York (hearthsidecatsinc@gmail.com). A small graveside gathering for friends and family will take place this fall at Canoga Cemetery to celebrate Karin’s life and her influence on the lives of those around her – including the ones with fur, feathers and fins.