Karen A. Konen

Karen A. Konen “beloved wife and helpmate”

OLEAN, NY---Karen A. Konen, of Olean, formerly of Shinglehouse, Pa., went to be with the Lord, with her loving husband by her side, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, after a long battle with Corticobasal Degeneration.

Born on Friday, July 16, 1954 in Olean, she was a daughter of Forrest D. and Marie Banks Sands. On March 21, 1992 in the Obi Community Church, she married the love of her life, Lee N. Konen, who survives.

Karen was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1973, in Shinglehouse. For a period of time she was employed at the former Harrison Valley Children’s Home. She also babysat for many families in Shinglehouse. She was a dedicated wife and homemaker.

While living in Shinglehouse, Karen was a member of Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church, where she taught vacation Bible school and helped with the Awana Club of the church. After her illness progressed, she had a difficult time attending church in person, so along with her husband, she watched many Christian programs daily. Karen was an excellent seamstress. She enjoyed needlework and plastic canvas. She was an excellent cook and loved to decorate for every holiday.

Surviving are her beloved husband of 30 years; two brothers, her twin, Kevin (Minerva) Sands of Portville and Denny (Loretta) Sands of Winterhaven, Florida; and several nieces, nephews, grandnephews, and great-grandnephews.

In addition to her parents, Karen was predeceased by a sister, Patti Swain; and a brother-in-law, Gerald Swain.

Family and friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, Pa., where funeral services will follow at 1pm with Pastor Fred Kemp of Potter County Baptist Church, officiating, Burial will be in Ceres Cemetery, Ceres, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Karen’s husband has 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.