Karen L. Higley, 70, of Smethport, PA passed away Wednesday (June 12, 2024), surrounded by her family at home after a lengthy illness.

She was born August 14, 1953 in Port Allegany, PA, a daughter of Benjamin D. and Mary A. (Austin) Bickford.

Karen was a case manager supervisor for the Domestic Relations offices of McKean County, retiring in 2015. She was a member of the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, the Norwich Twp. Fire Department, Smethport VFW Post #2497, and the Eldred American Legion.

She loved worshipping the Lord and attended several churches in the area.

Karen will be unforgettable! She loved deeply, and never failed to show it in so many ways. Acts of kindness were just a way of life for her. She was known for being crazy in love with her family and her adopted grandchildren. But most importantly, her daughter Jennifer, was her greatest pride and joy. Karen will always be remembered for her tables laden with home-cooked food and baked goods, and for giving every chance she got.

She is survived by:

Her longtime companion for many years, James P. Moffat

One daughter: Jennifer Higley of Smethport

Two sisters: Dianne L. Gallegos and Janet L. Kelley, both of Smethport

Two brothers: William L. (Deana) Bickford of Smethport and Edward D. (Beverly) Bickford of Bradford

And many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews

Karen was preceded in death by her parents as well as one niece, Maryann Gallegos in 1989, and two nephews; D.J. Callhoun in 2013, and Rhett Bickford in 2020.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 16, from 1-4 PM at Hilltop Baptist Church, Route 646, Gifford, where funeral services will begin at 4 PM with the Rev. Max Simms and Rev. B.J. Simms, as co-officiants. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Farmers Valley, PA.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby or the Smethport VFW Post #2497. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.