Karen L. Falconi 1954-2024

She was born Oct. 4, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pa., a daughter of the late Fred and Shirley Christiansen Ellis.

The family moved to Latrobe, Pa. in 1969 and Karen graduated from Greater Latrobe High School in 1972. Her love and aspirations for artistry led her to attend the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Karen was incredibly talented in drawing, painting, crocheting and virtually anything she liked or tried.

Karen’s career as an optician led her to working for multiple optometrists, finally landing at Sears Optical, where her kind demeanor and distinctive laughter left a lasting impact on all those she encountered. She continued to work and live in the Latrobe, Jennette and Greensburg, Pa. areas, where she attended Word of Life Church until her marriage and move to Hubbard in 2009.

Karen’s love and passion for the Lord Jesus Christ is now fulfilled in her reunion with Him and her parents.

Karen leaves behind a legacy cherished by her surviving family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband of 15 years, David Falconi, originally from Austintown; her beloved children, Dennis (Amber) Dominick of Greenburg, Pa., and Deena (Karl) Dominick-Bortz of Springfield, Virginia; her four cherished grandchildren, Courtney and Abi Dominick, and Brianna and Kaitlyn Bortz; her sister, Kathy (Paul) Noel of Enola, Pa.; three brothers, Kris (Peggy) Ellis of McMurray, Pa.; Kerry Ellis of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and Steven (Kasey) Ellis of Latrobe, Pa.; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may pay their respects 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, where a funeral service will follow at 1 p.m.

Preferred donations may be made in Karen’s name to the Lupus Foundation of America, lupus.org.

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