Karen Susan (Stevens) Parrish

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Susan Stevens Parrish on Saturday, April 12,2025. She was the daughter of Gordon and Thelma (Phillips) Stevens, born on February 8, 1953. She graduated from Rice Avenue Union High School, Girard, Pa, in 1970. For a short while she worked at Copes Vulcan and received a degree as a pharmaceutical assistant. On August 3rd, 1974, she married David Parrish and together they raised four children.   

Her children remember Karen as a true advocate for them by helping them with their homework, taking them to practice in the Big Blue station wagon, and by listening to their problems in a nonjudgmental way. They remember her as always caring for others before herself.  Her nephews and nieces remember her as fun. In the car, she would pretend not to steer, as she raised her hands and yelled “Look no hands.” Karen welcomed all her children’s friends.   

In addition to her family, she was committed to caring for her father, Gordy.   For years she and David made it possible for him to live in his own home by taking him to appointments, providing meals, and by taking him on short trips, or even longer ones such as Put-In Bay. She was not only his daughter but also his friend.  Most times she had a good laugh over their adventures. He especially enjoyed his annual birthday party that Karen hosted for years.  

Karen loved to shop, not for herself, but for her grandchildren.  On Fridays she could be seen with her friend, Cindy, shopping at Boscov’s with coupons in hand. She eagerly prepared for holidays, trying to find the perfect gifts and especially for Easter egg hunts.   When grandchildren visited, they stepped into a “small amusement park” world.  They played The Big Bad Wolf, rode the four-wheeler, slid on a special homemade slide, had sleepovers, decorated cakes for birthdays, played Grandpa’s drums, and had unlimited snacks. Older guests were welcomed with Karen’s apple pie and chocolate chip cookies.

Karen often attended St John’s Church with her husband. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, playing cards, reading mysteries, watching horror movies and discussing current events.    

Karen will be missed by numerous friends. Karen was noted for her kindness, her humor, dry wit and her empathy.

Karen was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Duane (Perk) Stevens. She is survived by her husband, David Parrish, and their four children:  Kelly (Tony) Mosley, Matthew (Janae) Parrish, Keith (Meghan) Parrish, and Lindsay (Ian) Norton.  In addition, she is survived by her four grandchildren, Kendall Parrish, Quinn Parrish, Mac Norton, and Elle Norton. Karen is also survived by two siblings, Ronald (Louise) Stevens and Diane (Addison) Mason and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends and family may call upon Edder Family Funeral Home, LLC at 309 Main Street E, Girard, Pennsylvania for visitation on Wednesday, April 16th from 1:00pm until 4:00pm, with the Funeral Service directly following.

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