Obituary for Karen B. Brown
Karen Belinda Brown, 67, of Bellefonte, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Born on August 23, 1955, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late David and Susan (Alterio) Keller. On September 28, 1974, she married her high school sweetheart, Frank Brown, who survives at home after sharing over 48 years together.
Karen was a 1973 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. She worked as the secretary in the front office at the high school for 14 years. During her time of employment there, she forged numerous close relationships with the faculty, staff, and the students who considered her a “second mom.” Karen then took a position as a Staff Assistant for Penn State, where she remained for 20 years, retiring in 2015.
In addition to her husband, Frank, she is survived by their children, Mike (Kristy) Brown, and Laura Brown, and granddaughters, Lena and Nora Brown, all of Bellefonte. Also surviving are her siblings, Samuel Keller of Bellefonte, Brenda Gates of Millheim, and Chrissy Miller of Tonawanda, New York.
Along with her parents, David and Susan, she was predeceased by her in-laws, David and Helen (Letterman) Brown.
Karen was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Bellefonte. Although she led a simple life (sitting on her back porch and enjoying the outdoors) the impact that she had spread far and wide. During her time working at Bellefonte High, she was a friend, a cheerleader, an advocate, and mentor to not only her fellow staff members, but to the hundreds of students who came through the school doors. She kept in touch with many, often following their accomplishments after graduating and watching them start families of their own.
Her enthusiasm for life, warmth, humor, and smile made it difficult for others to not become fast friends with Karen. Her family and close friend dynamic and relationships were unique and rare. She loved to celebrate the lives of her family and friends often. She enjoyed hosting gatherings, whether it be a cookout, one of the huge pool parties at her home, or going on vacations with her family and friends, she found joy in just being able to spend time with others.
Family meant everything to Karen. She especially enjoyed the one-on-one time with her daughter, Laura, doing what they both loved to do – shop! Spending time with her granddaughters (and granddoggies, Nittany, Major, and Lola) filled her heart; Lena and Nora were her entire world.
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Karen to: Dog Valley Day Care, 485 E. College Avenue, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823.
Karen was a 1973 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. She worked as the secretary in the front office at the high school for 14 years. During her time of employment there, she forged numerous close relationships with the faculty, staff, and the students who considered her a “second mom.” Karen then took a position as a Staff Assistant for Penn State, where she remained for 20 years, retiring in 2015.
In addition to her husband, Frank, she is survived by their children, Mike (Kristy) Brown, and Laura Brown, and granddaughters, Lena and Nora Brown, all of Bellefonte. Also surviving are her siblings, Samuel Keller of Bellefonte, Brenda Gates of Millheim, and Chrissy Miller of Tonawanda, New York.
Along with her parents, David and Susan, she was predeceased by her in-laws, David and Helen (Letterman) Brown.
Karen was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Bellefonte. Although she led a simple life (sitting on her back porch and enjoying the outdoors) the impact that she had spread far and wide. During her time working at Bellefonte High, she was a friend, a cheerleader, an advocate, and mentor to not only her fellow staff members, but to the hundreds of students who came through the school doors. She kept in touch with many, often following their accomplishments after graduating and watching them start families of their own.
Her enthusiasm for life, warmth, humor, and smile made it difficult for others to not become fast friends with Karen. Her family and close friend dynamic and relationships were unique and rare. She loved to celebrate the lives of her family and friends often. She enjoyed hosting gatherings, whether it be a cookout, one of the huge pool parties at her home, or going on vacations with her family and friends, she found joy in just being able to spend time with others.
Family meant everything to Karen. She especially enjoyed the one-on-one time with her daughter, Laura, doing what they both loved to do – shop! Spending time with her granddaughters (and granddoggies, Nittany, Major, and Lola) filled her heart; Lena and Nora were her entire world.
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Karen to: Dog Valley Day Care, 485 E. College Avenue, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823.