Karen M. Graham, 69, who moved recently to Ellsworth, WI, formerly of East Palestine, OH, passed away unexpectedly from this life into the hands of Jesus, on Sunday, September 18 at her residence.
Karen was born April 6, 1947, in Beaver Falls, PA, to Isabelle and John Nalepa, of West Mayfield. She graduated from Beaver Falls High School, Class of 1965. She had two daughters from her first marriage. She then met and married the love of her life, Donald “Pap” Graham, and they spent the rest of their lives enjoying each other’s company, gardening, traveling and visiting their children and grandchildren, and spending time with their extended families. Karen and Don made their home in East Palestine, Ohio.
Karen drove bus for McCarter Transit for 19 years and worked at Teledyne Standard Collapsible Tube in Rochester, PA, until they closed. She decided in the prime of her life to go back to college. She obtained her associates degree at Duff’s Business Institute, and started a new career in the medical transcription field at Sewickley Valley, until she retired.
Karen is survived by her daughters Lisa (Bill) Paquet of Ellsworth, WI; Lori McCoy of York, SC; granddaughters Jilliane, Steffanie and Madelynne Paquet; her brother and sister-in-law John and Barbie Nalepa of Millersville, MD, and nephew Bryce Nalepa of Scottsdale, Arizona. She is also survived by Dale (Kim) Graham (daughter and son, Katy and Dylan); Catherine (Ron) Knouse (son Dixon), Linda (Michael) Bedevian (daughters Lauren, Kristen, and Catherine), all of Texas; brother and sister-in-law Wayne (Daralee) Graham, and sisters-in-law Janet Graham, Neva Nameth, and Patti Magliocca, as well as many nieces and nephews, and very good friends of many years, Peggy (Spooner) Buck, Doris Hupp, Peggy Schmolly, Nancy and Sam Wood, and Andrea and Jim Foley, and caring and generous neighbors who looked in on her after Don died.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Isabelle, and her soulmate Don, who she is now rejoined with for eternity.
As per her wishes, Karen was be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 10:00am, on October 21, 2016 at Saint Monica’s Church, 116 Thorndale Drive and Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Memorials may be made in Karen’s name to The Diabetes Association, Heart Association, or a favorite charity of your choice.
Grateful thank-you to Scott Hill of Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ellsworth WI, for his kindness and assistance during our time of loss.