“beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and cousin”

Karen M. Murray, 42, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, in the Olean General Hospital.

Karen was born on June 16, 1980 in Coudersport, PA to Frederick E. Murray, Jr. and Robin L. Wenner Murray.  It was not only a self-proclamation by Karen, but also said by many others that she was the most beautiful baby in the world.

Karen was a graduate of the Oswayo Valley High School Class of 1998 and a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She spent her life caring for her beloved nephew, Carter and niece, Lily, who were her pride and joy. Karen also assisted her mom and sister with their Scentsy and Pampered Chef businesses. Having received a life-saving kidney transplant from her father in 2000, she was an advocate for organ donation. She was well known for her mad braiding skills. She was considered a human GPS by family and friends, which came in handy as she trekked across the country to attend Carter and Lily’s sporting events and other activities. She was always up for a family road trip and whatever adventure her sister dreamp up, with their most recent being ballet lessons. 

Karen’s passion was serving her family and friends. She loved cooking and baking for others especially her family and sharing her secrets in the kitchen with her niece, Lily. She gave generously of her time and talents and not just to those close to her. Her loving and giving ways expanded out into not only her local community, but across the nation as well. Karen was a life member of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Association and was currently serving as treasurer and associate treasurer, respectively. She was the Fundraiser Coordinator and served as the Junior Fireman Advisor. Karen’s history of kidney disease and pulmonary hypertension made her a staunch supporter of the American Kidney Association and the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. She was active in online support groups to assist others in their own journeys with these illnesses.  

Karen is dearly loved and deeply missed by her family. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.  Left to cherish her memory are her father; sister and best friend, Christi L. (Brian) Stedman; nephew Carter W. Stedman; niece Lily B. Stedman, both of Shinglehouse; loving companion, Dustin J. Small; and her precious Bully Baby, Dallas.

Karen will be remembered for her strength, tenacity, fierce loyalty, unending kindness, infectious laugh, and her positive attitude and perseverance to overcome whatever life threw at her. While small in stature, her personality was huge. Despite her lifelong health issues, she never complained; instead, she immersed herself in helping and supporting others. 

Karen was predeceased by her loving mother, Robin Murray, her brother, Anthony James “AJ” Murray, her maternal and paternal grandparents, several uncles, aunts, and cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Karen’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959; to Make A Wish Foundation, 1702 East Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016; or the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 475, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; or to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Family and friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, with the funeral immediately following. Services will be officiated by her cousin, Matthew Thompson, whom she loved dearly.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse. 

Members of the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department and the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association will pay their respects at 12:45pm on Saturday in the funeral home.

Karen’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse;

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Karen, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.