Karen F. Piper

1950 - 2022

Karen Francis Piper passed away peacefully Thursday, March 10, 2022. Karen was born Sept. 8, 1950, in Rankin, to Angelo and Shirley Marino (Andonisio). She grew up in North Huntingdon Township and attended Norwin High School. Karen was a graduate of Seton Hill University and worked as a music teacher in McKeesport Area Schools. She later received a master of education degree and worked first as a guidance counselor and, later, was hired as the principal at C.N. Pritts Elementary School in Connellsville Area School District. Karen put her musical talents to work by directing choirs at Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin and acting as accompanist and cantor at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in North Huntingdon. She also gave private piano lessons out of her home for over 25 years. In addition to serving as vice president on the Norwin Public Library Board, overseeing the efforts to build the new library, she was also elected to the Norwin School Board for two consecutive terms, and acted as president and vice president during her tenure. Karen volunteered in the PTA and helped run the Immaculate Conception and St. Elizabeth Seton Fish Fries for many years. Upon her retirement, Karen founded the Empty Bowl event for the Westmoreland County Food Bank. The event was held annually for 11 years and had generated over $100,000 to fight hunger in Westmoreland County. Karen was happily married to Tom Piper for 47 years and had one son and a grandchild. Tom and Karen resided in North Huntingdon for 39 years and later relocated to the Pittsburgh area. In their retirement, they enjoyed playing duplicate bridge and had achieved life master status. They also travelled extensively on cruises throughout the world and attended countless plays and musicals. She is preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Angelo; and her sister, Chris. She is survived by her husband, Tom; her son, Timothy; her grandchild, Rosalie; her sister, Linda (Dennis) Moore; her brothers Tony (Renata) Marino and Angelo (Machiel) Marino; and many nephews, nieces, and their children. Funeral arrangements made by BEINHAUERS. Family and friends are welcome from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of the blessing service, Wednesday, at 2630 West Liberty Ave., Dormont, PA 15216, 412-531-4000. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the organizations dearest to Karen: the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Association, American Heart Association, Westmoreland County Food Bank, and Westmoreland Performing Arts. Please view or add tributes at www.beinhauer.com.