Obituary for Karen Ann Givens
Karen Ann Givens passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 26th, 2020 in her home with her father, Joe, and her sister, Joanne at her side. She was 59 years of age.
Karen attended Wallace Wallin and graduated at age 23. She worked for a time for the Elwyn Institute before taking an early retirement (early mornings did not agree with her). Karen loved many things in life – opening presents, playing cards, playing games with family – she was an expert dice roller. She loved her TV shows – Dallas, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Jeffersons and The Golden Girls were on the top of the list. She knew the stories and characters and could talk forever about what was going on in each program. She enjoyed food – pizza and cheese subs were among her favorites – along with homemade chocolate chip cookies – especially the cookie dough – all best enjoyed with a diet Pepsi on ice. She had a strong will and knew both her own mind and how to get her way.
She lived with her father and caretaker, Joe Givens, all her life. She is survived by him and five siblings all who loved her very much: Theresa Mancari (Pat), Joanne Givens, Paul Givens, Beth Givens and Mark Givens (Tara). She was Aunt Karen to a host of nieces, nephews and great nephews: Jackie Mancari, Aindrea Mancari, Kevin Mancari, Abby Givens, Adam Givens, Mitch Givens, Felix Givens, Greta Givens, Reggie Givens and Owen Mancari. She was a beloved niece to many aunts and uncles and is survived by Jim and Linda Givens, Catherine (Mitzi) Antonio, Fred and Margaret Klingmeyer, Elizabeth (Betsy) Foster, Connie Colvin and HarrietAnn van Boven. Her cousins and extended family are too numerous to list here but were always thoughtful and caring to Karen.
The family would like to thank Sylvia from Highmark Health Options for her trusted guidance and tireless advocacy as Karen's case manager and also Bayada Home Health Care for the care they have given Karen over the years. All of the health aides were wonderful but a special thanks to Megan and Beatrice for supporting Karen’s care.
We deeply mourn her loss but feel certain she is with her beloved mother, Mary Ann, her brother Kevin and godfather Jack.
Due to health and safety concerns, a private ceremony is planned for immediate family only. A more inclusive celebration of her life will be planned when it is safe to do so.
Karen attended Wallace Wallin and graduated at age 23. She worked for a time for the Elwyn Institute before taking an early retirement (early mornings did not agree with her). Karen loved many things in life – opening presents, playing cards, playing games with family – she was an expert dice roller. She loved her TV shows – Dallas, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Jeffersons and The Golden Girls were on the top of the list. She knew the stories and characters and could talk forever about what was going on in each program. She enjoyed food – pizza and cheese subs were among her favorites – along with homemade chocolate chip cookies – especially the cookie dough – all best enjoyed with a diet Pepsi on ice. She had a strong will and knew both her own mind and how to get her way.
She lived with her father and caretaker, Joe Givens, all her life. She is survived by him and five siblings all who loved her very much: Theresa Mancari (Pat), Joanne Givens, Paul Givens, Beth Givens and Mark Givens (Tara). She was Aunt Karen to a host of nieces, nephews and great nephews: Jackie Mancari, Aindrea Mancari, Kevin Mancari, Abby Givens, Adam Givens, Mitch Givens, Felix Givens, Greta Givens, Reggie Givens and Owen Mancari. She was a beloved niece to many aunts and uncles and is survived by Jim and Linda Givens, Catherine (Mitzi) Antonio, Fred and Margaret Klingmeyer, Elizabeth (Betsy) Foster, Connie Colvin and HarrietAnn van Boven. Her cousins and extended family are too numerous to list here but were always thoughtful and caring to Karen.
The family would like to thank Sylvia from Highmark Health Options for her trusted guidance and tireless advocacy as Karen's case manager and also Bayada Home Health Care for the care they have given Karen over the years. All of the health aides were wonderful but a special thanks to Megan and Beatrice for supporting Karen’s care.
We deeply mourn her loss but feel certain she is with her beloved mother, Mary Ann, her brother Kevin and godfather Jack.
Due to health and safety concerns, a private ceremony is planned for immediate family only. A more inclusive celebration of her life will be planned when it is safe to do so.