Karen Elizabeth King, age 56, died unexpectedly on Monday, July 2, 2012 shortly after her hospital admission in Greenville, NC. She had lived in Greenville for the past nine years moving there from Erie. Born on April 21, 1956 in Erie, Karen was a daughter of the late Ray King and Betty Extein King. A graduate of Cambridge Springs High School in the Class of 74, Karen attended Villa Maria College in Erie from where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1978 becoming a registered nurse. While living in Erie she was employed in various health services at Hamot Medical Center, Pleasant Ridge Manor – West, Hamot Behavioral Health and Integrated Health Services, of Pittsburgh.
In her chosen profession, Karen selflessly helped many people both in her career and in her personal acquaintances. She loved animals, especially a dog named ‘Zippie’. She had an extensive knowledge of country music and it’s history and was particularly skilled at playing Trivial Pursuit, seldom being defeated. Her warmth and sense of humor will be missed by all.
Karen leaves behind to mourn her loss two sisters – Patricia Lasher and her husband, Darel of Venango and Ann Chapman of Franklin; her companion and close friend – Valerie Swaney and friend – Shawn Swaney; five nieces – Amy Kozalla and her husband, Dan of Saegertown; Andrea Webb and her husband, Chris of Venango; Elizabeth Chapman of Denver, CO; Allison Lasher and her fianc???e, Brandon of Woodcock; and Alexis Lasher of Venango; a great niece – Kaitlyn Kozalla; two nephews – David Chapman and Michael Chapman; and her God mother – Gloria Rorke of Missoula, Mt. Included also is a special dog, Chester.
Karen does not leave us alone, she takes a part of our hearts with her.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Saturday from 12:30 to 2:30. Funeral services will begin at 2:30 with Reverend Temple Jarrell, associate pastor of New Beginnings Church of God in Meadville officiating. Interment will be in Mitchell Cemetery.
Dear Patty & Ann,
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing— she was my very first “best friend” back on 28th Street and even through the years y’all lived in West Springfield. So sorry that we lost touch over the years, but am glad to see that she lived a full & fulfilling life.
May God grant you both the peace that surpasses all understanding!
Carol
Patty: So sorry to hear of the loss of Karen. She was a wonderful nurse to work under! Always so pleasant. I realized that she passed away just today, after reading Saturday’s paper. Oddly enough, we were in the same funeral home on Friday evening and again on Saturday because my brother in laws father passed away. I wish you would contace me. I am on facebook. Again, sorry for this loss your family has suffered. Sharon
KAREN !!! So glad I got to meet you in May, 2012. We talked so many times on the phone,Glad I got to be friends with you ! You will be missed by so many people, and your smile will never be forgotten. Your Eyes will Shine and you will Smile again at the Golden Gate,Where your Dad will be waiting with open arms. Go with him !! And Rest in Peace,You are a Angel now.Please watch over us.Untill we all meet again.
Donna Risko
To the entire Family:
So sorry to hear of the loss of Karen. She was a great person. Thoughts & Prayers are will all of you. God gained another angle
Patty, I am so sorry to learn of this. You’re in my prayers.
I will always remember Karen’s sweetness and her infectious laughter. She was always so kind and gentle towards everyone. She was the first-born of my nieces, and such a joy! Her great-grandfather, John, took such great delight in Karen as a toddler. No one else could pull the little pranks on him that Karen did, such as tying his laces on his shoes to the opposite shoe while he napped, so he couldn’t take any steps when he awoke. I remember his eyes sparkle when Karen was near. Karen was the apple of his eye. I spent a lot of time with her, too, and she was so easy to please. I know unquestionably that Karen is safe in God’s care, and how much she loved Our Lady.
I will always have wonderful memories tucked in my heart even though we have been separated by many miles for such a long time. All my love, Aunt Gloria.