Karen S. Moran Moore, 80, died peacefully in her home on October 8, 2022.  One of eleven siblings, Karen was the fifth-born child of the late Walter P. and Madge Vincent Moran.  In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Michael E. Moore in 2006 and a still-born daughter in 1967.

Karen is survived by her two children, Kathleen D. (Angela) Moore of Cincinnati, Ohio and First Sergeant Patrick M. (Sabina) Moore of Fircrest, Washington; a granddaughter, Morgan Madge Moore; 10 siblings, Marilyn Heinle, Peter Moran, W. Donald (Gwen) Moran, Linda Moran, Connie (Andy) Sivak, Annabelle Willard, Rebecca (James) Donley, Charles (Libby) Moran, Lonnie (Gail) Moran and Lorena (Dan) Piteleski; a sister-in-law, Margaret (Tom) Blake; and many nieces and nephews.

Karen grew up on the family farm on Mt. Zion Road in Fairmont, WV and, along with many of her siblings, attended a one-room school (Forksburg) through Grade 8 and then attended and graduated from Fairmont East High School.  Following graduation from high school, she worked at McCroys in Fairmont - where she met the man who was to be her husband - Michael E. Moore.  She and Mike were married (eloped) in 1964.  During their 42 years of marriage, Karen and Mike moved several times as Mike's retail management career progressed, living throughout the state of Pennsylvania before their final relocation to St. Clairsville.  Family was very important to both Karen and Mike... they believed it important that their young children know and spend time with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and to that end, they could often be found visiting the Moran family homestead in Fairmont.

Throughout her marriage, Karen continued to work in retail - for several years at Kaufman's and later, for American Greetings.  Karen, it could be said, never met a stranger, a smile was never far away, and she gathered friends as easily as one could pick daisies in a field of wildflowers.  She not only gathered friends to her - but gave of herself as a good friend to all who knew and loved her.  She lived her life in a grateful, giving manner - always finding a way to contribute and give to others.

Music and gardening were two of her passions (though none could compare with the love she had for her only grandchild - Morgan Madge (named in part for Karen's Mother). Karen cherished her role as a Grandma and would often regale friends and family with outakes from she and Morgan's phone calls.  If you knew Karen - or happened to attend the same church - you recognized her beautiful alto.  She came from a family who loved to sing old hymns and ballads of years gone by - and Karen built on that legacy of song by using her voice to sing in the choir at Thoburn United Methodist Church in St. Clairsville - where she also served on many committees and devoted her time in many capacities.  Karen also was responsible for forming the Thoburn's Womens' Chorus in 2008; performing in many local nursing homes, retirement centers and hospice facilities.  Gardening was another passion; one that she enjoyed sharing with friends, neighbors and especially with her 6 sisters - all of whom love to garden. Her greatest challenge when it came to gardening was the nefarious "gang" of deer that tormented the back yard. She was known to stealthily await their arrival inside the house, lying in wait in her kitchen where she would first cordially ask they quietly depart before resorting to more aggressive measures. Karen was an avid reader all of her life, a book was always at her side, and a second on her nightstand. Very few of her calls, if any, as well as visits with friends and family did not include book reviews, recommendations.

Everything she did, said came from a place of love, her smile enfolded the recipient in warmth and joy. A beloved niece recently described her laugh as "bottled sunshine." Anyone who knew, or encountered her is far better for having done so.

Family and friends will be received at Thoburn United Methodist Church in St. Clairsville, Ohio on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 12 p.m. with Pastors Rev. Dr. Bradley Call and Jackie Wagner officiating.

A committal service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Fairmont, West Virginia with Karen's cousin, Keith Vincent officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Thoburn Choir, P.O. Box 4, St. Clairsville, OH 43950.