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Webster, New York

Karen Gibson Obituary

Karen J. Gibson (DeWitte)

Webster - Karen had a broad reaching and meaningful impact on her family, friends, and community. She did this by giving generously without expecting anything in return; by seeing the good in others when they could not see it in themselves; by hosting holidays and her famous clam bake; by befriending the friendless; by building up others; by acting as the peace maker; by holding the hands of the sick and lonely; by praying daily for those in need; by opening her door to all with a hot cup of coffee; by placing relationships first; and above all else living out her faith in Jesus Christ, her proclaimed Lord and Savior.

She was an extraordinary woman with endless energy, often coming alive when everyone else was ready for bed. At the age of 57, having spent the prime of her working years joyfully raising her children, Karen went back to school and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern University. She got a job at a pharmaceutical company and commuted over an hour each way to establish herself as a valuable member of her corporate team. While working and commuting, she also earned her Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Philadelphia Biblical University (now Cairn University), which set her up for the next and final stage of her professional life.

After moving back to Webster, NY in 2006, Karen took a job as a Pastoral Care and Visitation Pastor at United Methodist Church of Webster. This was the job she trained for and it was her life's passion. She loved her work at the church ministering to women, the bereaved, and those no longer physically able to attend church. Through her role, Karen was able to fully use her gifts and touch the lives of so many in her community.

Karen passed away on January 6, 2020 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her three children, Andrew Gibson (Ligia), Julia Wambold (Jason), and Sarah Haines (Michael); by her brothers Douglas (Wendy) and Daniel (Trudy) DeWitte, and her sisters Christine (Brad) Campbell and Laurie (Andrew) Meloni; and by her six grandchildren - Isabella and Tomas Gibson, Harrison and Ellie Wambold, and Hannah and Kaden Haines.

Friends may call 2-4, 6-8 PM Friday Jan., 10 at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Ave., Webster. Memorial Service 11:00 AM Saturday, Jan. 11 at the United Methodist Church of Webster, 169 E. Main St. Webster. Interment at the convenience of the family at Webster Union Cemetery. Karen's children encourage a donation to Webster Comfort Care Home. 700 Holt Rd. Webster, NY 14580. www.webstercomfortcare.org/donations.php

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle from Jan. 7 to Jan. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Gibson

Sponsored by Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, Inc..

Not sure what to say?





Kathy Scudder

August 17, 2025

God Bless you, Karen! God Bless Karen´s family. I worked with Karen at AstraZeneca back in 2005. We became friends & sisters in Christ. She was a wonderful child of God. I knew she would be a blessing to others as a Christian Counselor.

Blessings and peace to you all.

January 14, 2020

There were many hours spent in Karen's home with Penn Valley ladies and friends in fellowship. We read and discussed the scriptures and prayed for one another. Karen was the best at embracing everyone with her radiant smile. She was a joy to know as a sister in Christ and I look forward to seeing her again in glory. My prayer is that The Father of mercies and God of all comfort will comfort her family and friends.
Liz McLaurin

Lowell and Alma Bergey

January 11, 2020

Andrew, Julie and Sarah,
Our fondest memories of your mother are when you lived in Harleysville, PA on Price Rd., remembering the time we were privileged to attend the baptism of Julie, I believe, in the Moyer's pool next door. Another memory was when Alma attended a weight loss program held at Penn Valley Church and led by your mother.
Karen was always available to anyone and had the gift of hospitality. She was a friend, counselor, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She will be missed!
We are praying for you.

Kathy Otto

January 10, 2020

To Karen's entire family and all friends,
I will always remember her as a gracious,loving,and caring friend. There were many special and precious moments that we shared through prayer and bible study. She loved the Lord and His Word. Her picture shows her beautiful eyes and smile. Leaving a lasting legacy never to be forgotten. Know that my thoughts,
prayers, and love are with you.The crown she will receive will be full of jewels. God bless all of you.

Cairn O'Shay-Vandenbosch

January 8, 2020

I am saddened to hear of the loss of Karen. I remember her so well from high school. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends.
Shalom,
Cairn O'Shay-Vandenbosch

CAIRN O'Shay-Vandenbosch

January 8, 2020

I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss of Karen. I remember her so well from high school and so saddened to hear this.
My sympathy to all of her family and friends.
Shalom,
Cairn O'Shay-Vandenbosch
Bisbee, AZ.

Karen Heissenberger-Hill

January 8, 2020

I am so saddened by Karen's passing. She was always so caring and compassionate and visited my parents often in their later years. She officiated at their funerals as well as the funeral of my husband. She will be dearly missed. My heartfelt sympathy to her family.

Kathy Langkamp Bentley

January 8, 2020

To the Dewitte Family - I am so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. Peace be with all of you.

Judith

January 8, 2020

I was so sorry to learn of Karen's passing. We were close friends in high school and it was always special to see her at class reunions, able to catch up over the years. She was an incredible person. Her passing is a great loss.

Vicki

January 8, 2020

I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Karen's passing. She ministered to my mom at home for many years. My mother always looked forward to her visits. When my mom passed 4 years ago, Karen officiated her service at United Methodist Church of Webster. Karen also performed my baptism. Her light may be dimmed but her work will be remembered forever. My deepest sympathies to Karen's family. She will be missed.

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Memorial Events
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Jan

10

Calling hours

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, Inc.

12 South Avenue, Webster, NY 14580

Jan

10

Calling hours

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, Inc.

12 South Avenue, Webster, NY 14580

Jan

11

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

United Methodist Church of Webster

169 E. Main St., Webster, NY

Funeral services provided by:

Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, Inc.

12 South Avenue, Webster, NY 14580

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