Karen Chikosky

Karen Chikosky, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, of Athens, OH, formerly of Boardman, OH, went to be with the Lord Thursday, June 6, 2024, at The Pickering House in Lancaster, OH. She was 69 years old. Born on December 6, 1954, in Youngstown, OH, she was the daughter of the late Robert Junior and Audrey Jean Klingensmith Murray. She was a member of the 1973 Class at Boardman High School. She graduated with a degree in Music Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 1977.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, brought to life through her 45 years of marriage to her devoted husband, Stephen Robert Chikosky. Together, they raised their daughter Bette (Albert) Morar, who she adored immensely, alongside her two cherished grandchildren, Lillian and Audrey. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Shirlee (Gale) Courtney and Linda Murray (Phillip Wiscot) as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Karen is preceded in death by her sister, Judy Sue Murray.

A woman of extraordinary musical talent, Karen's passion for music shone brightly throughout her life. She was the soprano soloists of a myriad of choral performances and operas. Her coloratura voice filled the walls of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Springfield, OH, for over 40 years, where she was the Director of Music, and involved in a Christian Women's group and the Youngstown Symphony Chorus. Karen's dedication to music extended to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Athens, where she lent her voice to the choir after relocating to the area to be close to family. Karen was a dedicated voice teacher and coach. She touched the lives of countless young vocalists, some of whom went on to professional singing vocations.

Karen will be remembered for her kindness, her faith, and her lively spirit as a member of various community groups and choirs. She had a deep appreciation for the arts, especially opera and musicals, and shared these passions with those closest to her. It was at a performance of the Magic Flute which she met the love of her life, Stephen. Together they spent their life raising their family and playing & singing music whenever they could. Her love for her family and the joy she found in watching her grandchildren play sports and perform in musicals will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

When she wasn't singing, Karen loved the beach and would travel every year with her family to Dewey Beach Delaware. She was a member of the Athens Senior Club and an avid Bette Midler fan. She loved the beauty of Athens and would ride around in the car to just see the scenery. She was involved in many clubs and was a social butterfly who had the best smile and who will be missed by so many.

A funeral service was held at Christ Lutheran Church in Athens, Ohio on Friday, June 14. A Memorial Service will be held locally on August 17 at 2 pm at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 1089 E. State Street, Salem Ohio 44460 with Pastor Aimee Raymond officiating. Family Visitation will be at 1 pm for 1 hour prior to the service and a reception will follow in the church hall.

Memorial contributions can be made to National Breast Cancer Foundation or Christ Lutheran Church, 69 Mill Street, Athens, Ohio 45701. A stream of the Funeral Service is available on the Christ Lutheran Athens You Tube site and a video tribute is available on the Hughes Moquin Funeral Home website. You can sign the online guestbook at ehwfh.com.