Karen L (Stauffer) Palmer

Karen L. Palmer (Stauffer) passed away Saturday, April 9, after an 8 year battle with breast cancer, at her home in Niles with her family by her side.  Karen was born in Warren, Ohio, on December 16, 1947.  She leaves behind her husband, Joseph Palmer, whom she married on February 17, 1968.  Karen and Joe have two children, Michael (Chris) Palmer of Austintown, Ohio and Ellie (Aaron) Westerburg of Hudson, Ohio, and four grandsons, Michael, Stephen, Maddox and Mason.  She also leaves behind her mother, Eleanor Stauffer, five sisters, Rosemary Heltzel, Darlene (Ed) Korchnak, Gail (Dave) Baxter, Mary Ann Kleese, Kris (Jim) Morrone, and two brothers, Lee Stauffer and Craig (Joann) Stauffer.  She was preceded in death by her father Kendall Stauffer, her nephew James Graham, her father-in-law Dominic Palmer and her brother-in-law Tommy Palmer.  

Karen was a 1966 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School and attended Kent State University. Karen was employed as a receptionist for Dr. Harold Brodell for several years after high school.  She received her real estate license in 1976, followed by her broker’s license in 1977.  During her career in real estate with Stauffer Realty, Karen served as Secretary and Chairman of the original MLS committee and President of the Board of Realtors. During this time, she received many honors for her achievements.  She was involved in several business partnerships including BKB Homes, BKB Development and The Rig restaurant, and was instrumental in developing prominent local real estate projects.   Karen also was co-owner of The Gazebo, a women’s boutique located in Howland.   For the past 31 years she was employed by Dr. James Brodell as office manager for his orthopaedic practice. 

Karen’s true passion in life, though, came from her family.  She was active in her children’s lives from their early stages. She was a den mother, a room mother, and involved in the PTA.  She was the biggest supporter of her children, their biggest cheerleader, and she was there for every event in which they participated.  Karen carried this tradition on for her grandsons, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.  She was an expert seamstress and always depended on for her ability to create amazing dance outfits, colorful Halloween costumes and outstanding school projects.  Karen was also involved in her church as lector for St. Stephen Church and President of the Niles Catholic Women’s Club.  Karen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, and she will be missed by everyone whose life she touched.  She will always be remembered for her strength of character and her unwavering love and support for her family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at St. Stephen Church, Niles, with the Rev. James Korda officiating.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, 2016 and from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the Holloway-Williams Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 611 Robbins Ave., Niles. The Niles Catholic Women’s Club will hold a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.

The family requests that material contributions be made in Karen’s memory in care of the funeral home to be distributed to Karen’s favorite charities by her family.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences to the Palmer family by visiting www. Hollowaywilliamsfuneralhome.com.

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