On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Karen M. Carroll lost her battle with excessive age.  Born on May 13, 1932, this 92-year-old scion of the families of wit and intelligence left this earth (round, not flat) at 5:00 A.M., a time when she frequently went to bed but had never arisen. 

This daughter of Albion New York and sister to Jack, Joette, and Margot, graduated from Albion High School in 1950 and decided to take her act on the road.  She matriculated at Elmira College where she graduated in 1954 with a degree in English and a minor in cigarettes and vodka.  Craving a skosh more excitement than could be found at home, she took to the employ of Proctor and Gamble where she test-marketed such iconic products at JIF, crest toothpaste and squeezable soft Charmin.  As chance would have it, her travels brought her to Washington, PA where she met her husband, Frank Carroll who predeceased her in 1999.  Unable to leave the charms and thrills of Washington behind, she jettisoned her jet set lifestyle and settled down to produce 4 somewhat above average children who have gone on to some minimal acclaim.  Daughters, Stacy (Willie Earl) North, Megan Carroll, Melissa (Price….formerly) Brannon and a son, Joseph (but I go by Josh) (Kelly) Carroll.  Grandchildren, in no particular order because she loved them all equally, Nathan (Shanna), Alex, Derek (Kelsey), Maddy (Andrew), Mariah, Bliss, McKenna, Kaylee, and Kamryn, and Great Grandchildren, Jaxon and Malachi.

As a patron of the arts and the parties of the vibrant Washington community, she became well known for her events, her presence and her hosting abilities.  A contributor and organizer for organizations such as the Charity Ball, the YWCA and other philanthropic organizations, there always seemed to be fun and frivolity wherever she went.  She attracted all types, her circle of friends like a granola bar, full of fruits, nuts and flakes however she never judged or belittled…..unless deserved…. Possessing a rapier-like wit and the confidence of Carlton’s and Smirnoff she was always a font of knowledge, advice, and guidance. Whether you were playing word mastermind, trivial pursuit or Jeopardy with her you were always humbled by her knowledge of trivial matters frequently exclaiming “how the hell do you know that” to which you received a thin smile and a shrug of the shoulders.  An accomplished epicurean, she never met a filet she didn’t love or a vegetable she liked, a vodka too dry or a mimosa too wet (whether bottoms up or up yours!!). To her friends and acquaintances alike she was a warm, caring, funny, and giving individual who made a lasting impression on all she encountered and pulled into the warm embrace of her charms and witticisms.  Her above average children all claim to have never received such embraces……this obituary was our last shot to complain……There are far too many stories, anecdotes, and tales to include here, but we know that we/you all have them, and they are the testament of a life well and honorably lived. 

Please come celebrate her life and her laughter, which we all enjoyed!!!  There are too many to name and too many stories to put here so please join us for a visitation on Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 12:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at E. Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director.  A graveside committal service will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 12:45 P.M. in the Washington Cemetery.  Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet in the funeral home parking lot at 12:15 P.M. on Monday for procession to the cemetery.  Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com