Karen E. "Weaver" May

Karen Elizabeth May, 80, passed away peacefully at home after a period of declining health on January 19, 2026.

Born in Marble PA on June 3, 1945, Karen was the beloved daughter of Betty and Elvin Weaver, and big sister to Roger, Ron, and two baby boys that passed in infancy.

After the family moved to Marienville PA in her early teens, Karen graduated from East Forest High School in 1963 and went on to pursue her RN degree. Karen was a graduate of the Oil City Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1966. Karen began her career at the Oil City Hospital and remained there through several mergers and name changes, before retiring from UPMC Northwest in 2006.

Karen married Charles Thomas May Sr., on July 8, 1967 at St Joseph Church in Oil City. They were married for 46 years before his passing in 2013. Karen found joy in prayer, strength in scripture, and peace in the promise of eternal life. She shared her Catholic faith through kindness to all she knew.

Karen was an avid Steelers fan, having attended Super Bowl XL and most home games until her mobility waned due to MS. Karen and her husband travelled as often as they could during their marriage. They visited several European countries, traveled extensively throughout America on road trips with friends, and made yearly trips to Mexico after retirement.

Karen's preference for bright colors and bold patterns was indicative of her character; unique, loving, vibrant, and always happy. Karen's presence will be sorely missed, especially those evening concerts with improvised lyrics, her surprising audiobook choices, cherished time with family and friends, and her unforgettable, quirky sense of humor.

Karen is survived by her daughter-in-law, Jaclyn Faunce May, with whom she resided. Karen is also survived by her sisters-in-law Jenny Hall, Kathy Weaver, and Betty Lee Weaver, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Karen was greeted in Heaven by her husband Charles Sr, her daughter Dawn, and her son Charles Jr,; her parents and brothers; brothers-in-law Art Bacher and Sherman 'Sherm' Hall.

There will be time to visit, view photos, and share Karen stories at St. Joseph Church on Saturday January 24, 2026 from 10 AM-11 A.M. The Oil Region Nurse Honor Guard will offer a final tribute to Karen's nursing career at 10:45 A.M. at the church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at St Joseph Church, 35 Pearl Avenue in Oil City, with Father Daniel Hoffman, officiating. Karen's ashes will be interred privately at Calvary Cemetery in Oil City, next to her husband and daughter.

Karen's daughter in law would like to extend her heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the friends and caregivers who loved and supported Karen though this illness and made it possible for her to remain at home. A special thank you to AseraCare Hospice for their gentle and loving care during Karen's final journey.

Memorials may be made to St Joseph Church or the charity of your choosing.

The Reinsel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.